As school resumes, young children under three in Trail, British Columbia, take part in a unique tradition — blood testing to check lead levels. This has been a part of the community since 1991, when public health nurses in the Interior region began offering tests to children six months to three years old. The tests aim to monitor lead exposure, a concern due to nearby smelter emissions.
While last year’s results showed relatively low lead levels, medical experts emphasize that no amount of lead in the blood is safe for children.
Lead is a toxic substance found naturally in rock and soil but can also be released into the environment through mining and smelting activities. People are most often exposed through food, water, and products containing lead. However, those living near smelters face higher risks.
Trail is home to one of North America’s last lead smelters, employing over 1,400 people in a community of about 14,000. Recognizing the risks, the smelter company Teck Resources has partnered with the city and health authorities to monitor and reduce lead exposure through the Trail Area Health and Environment Program (THEP).
THEP monitors lead in air, soil, and blood, while educating the public and controlling dust. Teck Resources has invested in reducing emissions, installing a modern KIVCET smelter in 1997, which reduced emissions by 99.5 percent. Since 2012, lead dust in the air has dropped by 80 percent, yet trace amounts still remain.
In 2024, blood tests of children under three revealed an average lead level of 2.2 micrograms per decilitre — similar to previous years. Experts warn that even this low level can harm children, affecting IQ, increasing ADHD risks, and causing other health problems.
Bruce Lanphear, a professor at Simon Fraser University and an expert in lead poisoning, says that even below one microgram per decilitre, lead can have measurable negative effects on children and pregnant women.
Public health nurse Meghan Morris explains that the focus on children under three is critical because toddlers and infants are most likely to ingest lead dust while crawling and putting objects in their mouths. THEP aims to achieve the lowest possible blood lead levels for each child through testing, education, and support for families.
Low-level lead exposure is also a major risk factor for adult health, including heart disease. Lanphear emphasizes that lead prevention must be more aggressive to protect the entire community.
The challenge in Trail lies in balancing economic dependence on the smelter with the need to eliminate lead exposure. The smelter has been part of the city’s economy for over 100 years, creating jobs and supporting families. Efforts to reduce emissions and monitor exposure are ongoing but eliminating lead entirely remains a complex issue.
THEP continues to educate families about minimizing exposure at home and ensuring children grow up with as little lead in their bodies as possible. The program’s dedication demonstrates the city’s commitment to public health while recognizing the economic realities of living near a lead-emitting industry.
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