Primary Health Care Consequences of Cultural Differences between New Orleans, Louisiana, USA and Oslo, Norway: Lead Contamination at Children’s Play Areas

Summary

New Orleans, Louisiana (USA) and Oslo (Norway) are similarly sized urban areas. Both cities provide play facilities for children. This study evaluates the lead (Pb) content of soils at children’s play are in parks and childcare facilities located in communities near the city centers. The median soil Pb in New Orleans (N=104) and Oslo (N=97) play areas measure 418 mg/kg vs. 25 mg/kg, respectively. The median soil Pb content at children’s play areas in Oslo (25 mg/kg or ppm) is about 17 times smaller than the median soil (418 mg/kg) in New Orleans play areas. Culture refers to attitudes, values, beliefs, and behaviors shared by members of a society. The cultural attitudes of the US and Norway regarding the use of Pb in two commercial products, lead-based paint and Pb additive in gasoline, indicates several reasons for the unusual differences in soil Pb at children’s play areas of New Orleans and Oslo. The consequences on life expectancy, learning, and behavioral issues are severe for unduly Pb-exposed children. From the primary care whole-of-society perspective, if play areas are safe for children, then they are safe for everyone.