Study finds Spatial Inequities in Relationship between Early Childhood Lead Exposure and Standardized Test Scores in Public School Students across NC

On September 3, 2024, research led by CEHI affiliate Mercedes Bravo was published in Environmental Health Perspectives. Using data longitudinally linked from birth to fourth grade, we analyzed associations between blood lead levels (BLLs) and standardized test scores in reading and mathematics across the state of North Carolina. Our modeling approach allowed for spatial variation in the relationship between BLLs and test scores by Census tract. We identified substantial spatial inequities: the magnitude of detrimental effects of lead exposure on test scores varies across NC communities. Our findings underscore the need to focus interventions not only on areas with disparities in lead exposure, but also those with larger adverse impacts.

For more details, read the article published in Environmental Health Perspectives.