Objectives. To evaluate lead levels in tap water at licensed North Carolina child care facilities. Methods. Between July 2020 and October 2021, we enrolled 4005 facilities in a grant-funded, participatory science testing program. We identified risk factors associated with elevated first-draw lead levels using multiple logistic regression analysis. Results. By sample (n = 22 943), 3% of tap water sources exceeded the 10 parts per billion (ppb) North Carolina hazard level, whereas 25% of tap water sources exceeded 1 ppb, the American Academy of Pediatrics’ reference level. By facility, at least 1 tap water source exceeded 1 ppb and 10 ppb at 56% and 12% of facilities, respectively. Well water reliance was the largest risk factor, followed by participation in Head Start programs and building age. We observed large variability between tap water sources within the same facility. Conclusions. Tap water in child care facilities is a potential lead exposure source for children. Given variability among tap water sources, it is imperative to test every source used for drinking and cooking so appropriate action can be taken to protect children’s health. (Am J Public Health. 2022;112(S7):S695–S705. https://doi.org/10.2105/AJPH.2022.307003 )
Zinc deficiency and excess can result in adverse health outcomes. There is conflicting evidence regarding whether excess or
deficient zinc in the diet can contribute to carcinogenicity. The objective of this study was to characterize zinc carbonate basic
for use as a source of dietary zinc in a rodent toxicity and carcinogenicity study investigating the effects of zinc deficiency
and excess. Because of the complex chemistries of zinc carbonate basic compounds, inconsistent nomenclature, and literature and
reference spectra gaps, it was necessary to employ multiple analytical techniques, including Karl Fischer titration, combustion
analysis, inductively coupled plasma–optical emission spectrometry, X-ray diffraction, infrared spectroscopy, X-ray
fluorescence spectrometry, and thermogravimetric analysis to characterize the test article. Based on the collective evidence and
through the process of elimination, the test article was found to be composed mainly of zinc carbonate basic with zinc oxide as a
minor component. The zinc content was determined to be 56.6% (w/w) with heavy metals such as arsenic, cadmium, mercury and lead
below the limit of quantitation of less than or equal to 0.01%. The test material was stable at ambient temperature. Based on the
work described in this manuscript, the test article was suitable for use as a source of zinc in studies of deficiency and excess
in the diet.
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