A Cochrane review [Abstract] 1 included 14 studies with a total of 2 643 children (under 6 years of age). Studies were subgrouped according to their intervention type. Educational interventions were not effective in reducing blood lead levels (MD 0.02, 95% CI -0.09 to 0.12, 5 studies, n=815; dichotomous ≥ 10 µg/dL (≥ 0.48 µmol/l) RR 1.02, 95% CI 0.79 to 1.30, 4 studies, n=520; dichotomous ≥ 15 µg/dL (≥0.72 µmol/l) RR 0.60, 95% CI 0.33 to 1.09, 4 studies, n=520). Meta-analysis of the dust control subgroup found no evidence of effectiveness (MD -0.15, 95% CI -0.42 to 0.11, statistical heterogeneity I2 =90%, 3 studies, n=298; dichotomous ≥ 10 µg/dL (≥ 0.48 µmol/L) RR 0.93, 95% CI 0.73 to 1.18, 2 studies, n=210; dichotomous ≥ 15 µg/dL (≥ 0.72 µmol/L) RR 0.86, 95% CI 0.35 to 2.07, statistical heterogeneitty I2 =56%, 2 studies, n=210). The studies using soil abatement (removal and replacement) and combination intervention groups were not able to be meta-analysed due to substantial differences between studies.
Comment: The quality of evidence is downgraded by inconsistency (variability in results) and by imprecise results (wide confidence intervals).
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