An Exploratory Study of Social Determinants and Pediatric Lead Exposure in Chemung County, NY

Background: Lead exposure in children is a persistent public health concern due to its irreversible neurological and developmental effects. Children under 6 years old are particularly vulnerable due to frequent hand-to-mouth activity and increased environmental exposure. Existing literature suggests a relationship between adverse social determinants of health (SDOH), such as low parental education and residence in high-poverty areas, and elevated pediatric blood lead levels (BLLs). This study, subsidized through a community service grant from Excellus Blue Cross Blue Shield, aimed to examine the association between BLLs and SDOH among children screened at the ACCEL Community Health Clinic in Chemung County, New York. Methods: This cross-sectional study included 157 pediatric participants with 207 capillary BLL readings collected between May 19, 2022, and June 12, 2025. Demographic data, including ZIP code, race, ethnicity, age, gender, and guardian education level, were obtained via caregiver surveys. BLLs were categorized as Results: Among the 207 BLL readings, 173 (83.6%) were Conclusions: Contrary to the initial hypothesis, elevated pediatric BLLs were not significantly associated with adverse SDOH indicators such as low guardian education or residence in high-poverty areas. Only Non-Hispanic/Latino ethnicity was associated with a decreased risk of elevated BLLs. These findings support universal pediatric lead screening regardless of demographic profile and highlight the need for ongoing surveillance through programs like the ACCEL Clinic to identify at-risk children across all socioeconomic backgrounds.