Developmental Effect of Very Low Lead Levels: What Does It Mean?

Toddlers with lead levels of 5–10 μg/dL had slightly lower reading and writing scores at age 7–8 years.

The effects of lead toxicity in young children were first described in Australia in 1892, yet only the past three generations of pediatricians have been engaged in monitoring exposure, treating toxic levels, and implementing prevention programs. In 1991, the “level of concern” for blood lead levels was lowered to 10 μg/dL based on research that showed low-level lead exposure in young children was associated with reduced cognition in school-age children.

In a prospective, observational cohort study, researchers in England determined blood lead levels in 582 children at age 30 months and performed standardized developmental, behavioral, and educational tests at age 7 to 8 years. In analysis of the 488 children (84%) with complete data that was…

Reviewing Author

Martin T. Stein, MD

Disclosures

Consultant / Advisory boardPearson Neuroscience Advisory Board

Speaker’s bureauAmerican Academy of Pediatrics

RoyaltiesElsevier, Inc.

Editorial boardsJournal of Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics

Martin T. Stein, MD

Disclosures

Consultant / Advisory boardPearson Neuroscience Advisory Board

Speaker’s bureauAmerican Academy of Pediatrics

RoyaltiesElsevier, Inc.

Editorial boardsJournal of Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics