New Evidence of the Dangers of Lead Exposure for African American Children

no_leadA new study by researchers at the University of Pennsylvania, has found a correlation between lead exposure early in life to sleep problems in later childhood. Sleep deprivation can lead to poor academic performance as well as behavioral and health problems.

Earlier studies have shown that lead exposure is directly related to lower academic test scores, behavioral problems, and neurological problems.

While the new University of Pennsylvania study deals with lead levels of children in China, this research is this of particular concern to African Americans. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Black, low-income children who live in housing built before 1950 have the highest lead poisoning risk. In fact, Black children are 1.6 times more likely to test positive for lead in their blood than White children. And Black children were nearly three times more likely than White children to have very high lead levels in their blood.

Related Articles

Leave a Reply

Get the JBHE Weekly Bulletin

Receive our weekly email newsletter delivered to your inbox

Latest News

Huston-Tilloston University to Establish Two Satellite Campus in California

Huston-Tilloston University, a historically Black educational institution in Austin, Texas, has announced plans to launch two new satellite campuses in California. The university has already received approval to begin offering online courses to California students in January.

Two Black Scholars Selected for Endowed Professorships at Ivy League Universities

The two Black scholars appointed to endowed faculty positions at Ivy League schools are Vaughn Booker at the University of Pennsylvania and Dorceta Taylor at Yale University.

Sanofi Grants $18 Million to Three Historically Black Medical Schools to Increase Diversity in Clinical Studies

Thanks to an $18 million investment from Sanofi, Meharry Medical College, Howard University, and Morehouse School of Medicine plan to expand their clinical research staff, pharmacy infrastructure, and training programs.

Kemeshia Swanson Receives 2024 Eudora Welty Book Prize

Dr. Swanson, an assistant professor at Mississippi State University, has been recognized for her new book, Maverick Feminist: To Be Female and Black in a Country Founded Upon Violence and Respectability.

Featured Jobs