Childhood lead poisoning: the impact of prevention

Article Abstract:

The goals of public health efforts to eliminate lead poisoning in children must be to identify and treat children with high blood lead levels and to prevent lead exposure. In 1990, about three million children had blood lead levels of ten micrograms per deciliter (dL) of blood or more. Blood lead levels this high can adversely affect development and cognitive ability. Lead-based paint has been banned from residential use since 1978, but about 74% of houses built before 1980 have lead-based paint. In a 1993 study, reductions in blood lead levels were associated with increases in cognitive ability. Another study found that removing lead-contaminated soil from around children's homes was associated with slight declines in blood lead levels. Two 1992 federal laws authorize the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to provide grants for screening, treating and preventing lead poisoning and require prospective homebuyers to be notified of the risks of lead exposure in houses built before 1978.

Editorial, Environmental aspects, Cognition in children, Cognitive development

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Children with elevated blood lead levels attributed to home renovation and remodeling activities - New York, 1993-1994

Article Abstract:

People who renovate their homes should take precautions to ensure that their children do not ingest or inhale paint that may contain lead. In New York State in 1993-1994, 4,608 children with elevated blood lead levels were reported. In 320 (7%), their blood lead levels were directly linked to home renovation projects. Eighty percent of the children lived in suburban or rural settings, indicating that urban children are not the only ones at risk. Much of the renovation consisted of sanding and scraping, which often generates dust and paint chips.

Causes of, Dwellings, Remodeling and renovation, Home remodeling

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Relationship of Ascorbic Acid to Blood Lead Levels

Article Abstract:

Vitamin C supplements may prevent lead poisoning. This may occur because vitamin C is a type of chemical called a chelator. Chelators can grab toxic metals and safely transport them out of the body. In a study of 22 youths and 57 adults with elevated blood levels, those with the highest vitamin C levels had the lowest lead levels compared to those with the lowest vitamin C levels.

Vitamin C

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