Average blood lead levels in Trail and Rivervale children aged six to 36 months were around 2.2 micrograms per decilitre this year—similar to, but slightly higher than, last year’s findings.
The Trail Area Health & Environment Program (THEP) also reported a significant increase in community participation in 2023, which, according to a press release, marks a notable rebound for the program after a pandemic-related decline.
In previous years, average levels were as follows:
- 2023: 2.1 micrograms per decilitre
- 2022: 2.3 micrograms per decilitre
- 2021: 2.5 micrograms per decilitre
- 2020: 2.6 micrograms per decilitre
- 2018: 2.9 micrograms per decilitre
“Trail’s blood lead monitoring program is a gold-standard approach to monitor children’s exposure and guide remediation efforts with a focus on health. It is encouraging to see that blood lead levels for children in the Trail area remain similar to last year and that community participation is increasing,” said Dr. Karin Goodison, Medical Health Officer, Interior Health.
For more than 30 years, children in the Trail area have been tested due to emissions from the Teck smelter.
The program has worked to reduce lead exposure with a holistic approach, encouraging healthy habits such as handwashing before eating, ensuring an iron-rich diet, and keeping floors dust-free.
Lead levels in the air remain within the standards set by the US Environmental Protection Agency, which are used in the absence of Canadian air quality objectives.
The 2024 year-to-date average came in at 0.085 micrograms per cubic metre at Butler Park, similar to 2023.
“I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to all the families who continue to participate in the blood lead testing clinics. It’s wonderful to see an increasing number of children attending from across Trail and the surrounding areas,” said Colleen Jones, Mayor of Trail and Chair of the Trail Area Health & Environment Committee.
“Your involvement is key to maintaining one of the most comprehensive monitoring programs in the world. The City of Trail is proud to be a partner of THEP for over three decades, working together to ensure the health and well-being of our community.”
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