Lead harmful at lower levels than previously thought

by Angie Felton (Subscribe to Angie Felton's posts) Nov 2nd 2007 2:30PM

Categories: Health & Safety, Gadgets & Tech, That's Entertainment

As if the massive recalls of with lead wasn't stressing parents enough, the CDC just issued a report that children with lead levels much lower than previously believed harmful might have lower IQs and other problems due to lead exposure.

High levels of lead poisoning are known to cause irreversible learning disabilities, behavioral problems, seizures, coma, and even death but this is the first time research has focused risks to children with lower levels of lead in their blood.

Until now, doctors would only assess a child's environment and take other protective steps when levels of 10 micrograms of lead per deciliter of blood was reached. The report shows intellectual development might be affected by lead levels much lower and in kids who show no obvious symptoms of lead poisoning.

As there is no way to reduce lead levels in the blood stream, the paper recommends doctors address the risk and discuss with parents of children with lower levels to prevent additional exposure.

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