CENTRAL FALLS, R.I. (AP) — The number of children in Rhode Island who tested positive for lead poisoning for the first time rose last year.
It’s the first time incidents have increased, according to state Health Department data.
The Boston Globe reports Wednesday the 22% increase comes even as fewer children were tested last year.
Four cities accounted for 69% of the recorded elevated lead levels: Central Falls, Pawtucket, Providence, and Woonsocket.
Those cities are also where 74% of children of color in the state live.
The rise in blood lead incidents coincides with the pandemic when the vast majority of children stayed home.
