Lead Poisoning

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Definition and prevalence

Lead poisoning can damage a young child's developing brain, causing learning and behavioral disabilities. CDC has established 10 mcg/d or higher of blood-lead levels as exceeding acceptable standards. Lead poisoning is associated with poor school performance and there is persuasive evidence of lead's damage to intellectual functioning at even lower blood-lead levels.

Almost one million American children under the age of 6 (approximately 4% of children in that age group) have dangerously high levels of lead in their blood, making lead poisoning one of the most widespread childhood diseases. This problem is most severe among families that live in older housing units: Sixteen percent of low-income children and 21% of African American children who live in older housing have elevated lead levels. In 1978, 14.8 million American children suffered from lead poisoning in the United States. Since then, children's blood-lead levels have declined more than 80% due to the elimination of lead from house paint, gasoline, and food and beverage cans. Lead has been significantly reduced in industrial emissions, drinking water, consumer goods, hazardous waste sites, and other sources. However, 27% of the nation's housing units (25.5 million units) still contain lead paint hazards. The most common cause of lead exposure for young children is lead paint in older housing.

Intervention

There are several ways to reduce a child's exposure to lead poisoning. Know the sources of lead: peeling or chipping paint in homes or centers built before 1978, dust from sanding or removing old paint and wallpaper, food stored in glazed pottery and ceramic ware or stored in open cans. Have children wash their hands and face after play outside and before eating. Clean all pacifiers each time they fall on the floor. Wash children's toys often. Wash fruits and vegetables before cooking or eating. Wash all countertops before preparing food. Children age 6 months to 6 years in high-risk areas should be assessed each year for possible lead contamination.

Health officials agree that the primary dietary recommendations include:

• Providing foods that contain good sources of protein, iron, calcium, and vitamins A and C daily;
• Providing meals on regular schedules, including snacks to help children maintain a full stomach;
• Limit high-fat and greasy foods in a daily diet (for children over 2 years of age);
• Do not store food in open cans, pottery, pewter, or lead crystal.