Prevalence of soil mouthing/ingestion among healthy children aged 1 to 6
Stanek, EJ III; Calabrese, EJ; Mundt, K; Pekow, P; Yeatts, KB
HERO ID
1060845
Reference Type
Journal Article
Year
1998
Language
English
| HERO ID | 1060845 |
|---|---|
| In Press | No |
| Year | 1998 |
| Title | Prevalence of soil mouthing/ingestion among healthy children aged 1 to 6 |
| Authors | Stanek, EJ III; Calabrese, EJ; Mundt, K; Pekow, P; Yeatts, KB |
| Journal | Journal of Soil Contamination |
| Volume | 7 |
| Issue | 2 |
| Page Numbers | 227-242 |
| Abstract | Ingestion of non-food items/mouthing behavior results in exposure of children to contaminants in soil/dust. We characterize the prevalence of such behaviors in healthy children. The relative frequency of such behaviors was assessed by parent interviews for 533 children age 1 to 6. Thirty-eight percent of children put soil in their mouths at least monthly, 24% at least weekly, and 11% daily. High-risk behavior decreased quickly for children aged 2 or more, but was still reported at least monthly by 3 to 9% of parents of children up through age 6. Highest outdoor object mouthing rates occur among 1-year-old children, who are reported to play daily in sand/dirt and have generally high levels of mouthing. Such children may have higher soil/dust ingestion and higher exposure to contaminants when soil/dust contains lead or other agents. These high-risk groups may help focus educational interventions and/or risk assessments. |
| Doi | 10.1080/10588339891334249 |
| Wosid | WOS:000072842900006 |
| Url | <Go to ISI>://BCI:BCI199800221721 |
| Is Certified Translation | No |
| Dupe Override | No |
| Is Public | Yes |
| Language Text | English |
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