Award Date

1-1-2006

Degree Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Public Health (MPH)

Department

Environmental and Occupational Health

First Committee Member

Shawn L. Gerstenberger

Number of Pages

74

Abstract

The problem of lead in candies imported from Latin America is an important health disparities issue as it particularly affects the health of children living in Latino Diasporas in the United States. Our research team at the University of Nevada Las Vegas was the first to employ the X-ray florescence (XRF) machine in the screening of candies for lead. The XRF is a novel instrument that can quickly, efficiently, and cost-effectively test for lead contamination. Once contaminated candies were identified, an exhaustive review of applicable laws and polices that can be utilized in the regulation of imported toxic candies was performed and, working in partnership with the Southern Nevada Health District, a Cease and Desist Order was issued based on our XRF findings. This paper traces the trajectory of the laboratory work performed and the legal research conducted that eventually lead to the issuance of the Cease and Desist Order. A thorough review of the laboratory-to-community translational research we achieved provides an important resource for both researchers and public health officials collaborating in the effort to remove contaminated candies from the shelves of stores and markets to ensure the health and safety of children.

Keywords

American; Candies; Contamination; Imported; Latin; Lead

Controlled Subject

Public health; Environmental sciences

File Format

pdf

File Size

1914.88 KB

Degree Grantor

University of Nevada, Las Vegas

Language

English

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