As a result, it is expected that more children who are actually exposed to lead will be screened, while children with low risk for lead exposure will not receive unnecessary screening, increasing the efficiency and benefits of screening efforts. In particular, the guidance recommends that state and local health officials determine appropriate screening policies by targeting their efforts at children who live in older homes and children from low-income families, two variables highly associated with lead exposure. CDC's position on the adverse health effects caused by lead has not changed, our goal is to expand screening and follow-up care for those children who are at risk. This new guidance will provide criteria for state and local public health officials to identify these children so that they can receive the appropriate care if they are exposed to lead. Lead exposure in young children is of particular concern because children absorb lead more readily than adults and children's developing nervous systems are particularly vulnerable to adverse effects of lead.
All children can be susceptible to lead poisoning if lead is accessible.
CDC is part of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.