FLUORO|SPEC
THE PATTERN
187 cases.
One pattern.
Each is a real family. The blood test came back over the action level. The home test came after. The point is that the home test would have come first if it had been cheap and obvious.
01
The arc that runs through every case.
187
cases reviewed
6
years + under
88%
source already in home
02
Where the lead actually came from.
D
Painted ceramic dishes
Decorative mugs, mixing bowls, plates with painted bands. Hot or acidic food made it dose.
T
Toys, jewelry, vintage items
Imported toys with painted decoration, costume jewelry, vintage figurines.
P
Pre-1978 paint layers
Often the chalking under-layer, not the visible top coat. Window sills and door jambs.
S
Spice rack imports
Turmeric and chili adulterated with lead-chromate brightener.
F
Imported food packaging
Painted-on tin lids, glaze on storage crocks, tea sets.
W
Water service line
Pre-1986 service line still in place. Not the source most parents check first.
03
A specific case, in three sentences.
She cleaned up after the renovation. She thought she cleaned up enough. The four-year-old's blood result came back six months later at 11 µg/dL.
— Case 042