Today, in the United States there are still approximately 1 million lead-poisoned children. Lead poisoning is a preventable disease seen in both children and adults. Children between six months to six years of age face the greatest danger of lead poisoning. Lead-based paint that has deteriorated into paint chips and a lead dust remain the main source of contamination.
Lead poisoning can occur in every region, race, and socio-economic level.
Children living near a lead-using plant or in poorly maintained housing may be at a higher risk. Lead is a powerful neurotoxin that interferes with the development and functioning of almost all body organs, particularly the kidneys, red blood cells, cardiovascular and central nervous systems. In young children, lead retards the development of the brain. Unfortunately, lead isotopes are very stable, they do not decay for millions years. Lead has been used for hundreds of products because of its malleability, low melting point, and ability to form compounds.