Environmental Health Disparities in Vermont: Lead Poisoning

Lead exposure can occur through contaminated paint and dust, water, soil, toys, jewelry and cosmetics. Refugees and immigrants may also be exposed through imported or traditional herbs, medicines and cosmetics.

Refugees and immigrants arriving in Vermont typically receive a health assessment within three months of arrival that includes a blood lead test. Looking at this data can help us understand differences in lead exposure and identify opportunities to improve lead poisoning prevention.

Did you know?

Fifty percent of refugees and immigrants tested in Vermont had a detectable blood lead level.

On this page: Explore the Data What the Data Show Putting the Data into Action More Information

Explore the Data

Explore the report below to learn about lead screening among refugees in Vermont.

Lead Screening Among Vermont’s Refugee Population

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What the Data Show

  • Refugees and immigrants tested in Vermont had higher rates of detectable blood lead levels than the general Vermont population.
  • Children in the refugee population had higher rates of elevated blood lead levels than state averages.
  • Blood lead detection rates varied among the refugee populations tested by country of origin. 
  • Understanding these differences can help identify opportunities to improve lead poisoning prevention and outreach.

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Putting the Data into Action

Working toward environmental justice means making sure refugee and immigrant communities have access to lead testing, prevention information and resources that meet their needs. Some ways we can work toward this include:

  • Increasing lead testing among refugee and immigrant children and making sure children who need follow-up testing receive it.
  • Providing culturally and linguistically appropriate information about lead exposure and prevention.
  • Helping healthcare providers identify potential sources of lead exposure among refugee and immigrant communities.
  • Using data to better understand disparities and identify opportunities to improve lead poisoning prevention and outreach.

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More Information

More Lead Poisoning Data
Lead Hazards and Lead Poisoning
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