Enough is now known about the sources and pathway oflead exposures and about ways of preventing this exposure to begin the efforts to permanently eradicate this disease. The persistence of lead poisoning in the United States, in the light of all that is known,presents a singular and direct challenge to public health authorities, clinicians, regulatory agencies and society. Lead poisoning is one of the most common and preventable pediatric health problems today. Lead is ubiquitous in the human environment as a result of industrialization. It has no known physiologic value.
Children are particularly susceptible to lead's toxic effects.
The vast majority of cases' therefore, go undiagnosed and untreated. Lead poisoning is widespread. It is not solely a problem of inner city or minority children. No socioeconomic group, geographic area, or racial or ethnic population is spared. A child's environment is full of lead.