Science Café Cleveland presents
Eliminating Childhood Lead Poisoning: Is it Worth the Cost?
October 8, 2018
FEATURING:
John Sobolewski
Deputy Director, Cuyahoga County Board of Health
EVENT INFORMATION:
In 2003, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention declared lead poisoning "one of the most common and preventable pediatric health problems today." Lead is a naturally occurring element found throughout the environment. It is also a potent neurotoxin that affects the central nervous system, and is very harmful to the developing nervous systems of fetuses and young children. Overt health effects are rare, but early exposure to lead, even at low levels, has been shown to adversely affect IQ and impulse control, leading to profound individual and societal impacts and associated costs.
While the national prevalence rate of lead poisoning is currently less than 0.5%, low income minority children suffer disproportionately from the effects of lead in their environment. Since 1997, more than 45,000 children aged 6 years or younger in Cuyahoga County have been identified to have blood lead levels greater than 10µg/dL. In 2016 alone, 8.2%, or 1,883 children, were identified with elevated blood lead levels. A recent local foundation initiative estimated the cost for lead elimination, and this has prompted a debate as to whether it is worthwhile to make significant current investments in lead elimination to offset long term societal costs.
LINKS OF INTEREST:
Additional information may be found at www.ccbh.net
CLEVELAND PUBLIC LIBRARY BOOK PICKS:
If the discussion topic for this month's Science Café has the gears turning and you are interested in continuing your quest for information, click here for just a small sample of what's available at the Cleveland Public Library on the subject and/or related topics.
EVENT DETAILS:
WHERE:
The Music Box Supper Club - Concert Hall
1148 Main Avenue
Cleveland, Ohio 44113
WHEN:
October 8, 2018
Doors will be open 5:30–9:00 pm (last call at 8:45pm). Presentation and discussion is from 7:00–8:00pm. The Concert Hall will also host a limited menu before and during the event, not to mention a full bar! (Click here to view menu). Come early, get a good seat, grab a bite and a beverage, and enjoy the discussion!
WHO:
Sponsored by Case Western Reserve University chapter of Sigma Xi, WCPN ideastream, and the Music Box Supper Club.
