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A blood lead level of ≥5 µg/dL is now considered elevated in children. Although a detrimental effect on IQ has been shown at relatively low levels (<10 µg/dL), fewer studies have investigated the possible link between blood lead levels and various behavioral and emotional problems. Researchers measured blood lead levels in 1341 children aged 3 to 5 years attending preschool in Jintan, China, and asked parents and teachers to assess children's behavior at age 6 years using validated tools.
The mean blood lead level was 6.4 µg/dL (6.8 for boys and 6.0 for girls) and was higher in 5-year-olds (7.0) compared with 3-year-olds (5.2). After adjustment for sex, sociodemographic factors, and child IQ, blood lead level was positively associated with t…