The disparities among ZIP codes in children s risk for lead poisoning are remarkable. Health departments need to track lead screening data by ZIP code to identify pockets of high risk for targeted attention. However, this is the first study to show the existence of geographic concentrations across several cities. This study proves we can t be complacent about this disease. To End Childhood Lead Poisoning, which funded this study.
Every child deserves a home safe from lead hazards and the chance to start school ready to learn.
Eradicating this disease requires mustering the political will and targeting the resources to the neighborhoods where our children are most at risk. Lead poisoning in childhood reduces intelligence and attention span and causes learning disabilities and behavior problems. The New England Journal of Medicine reported last week that drug therapy does not reverse the adverse effects in children with blood lead levels below 45 micrograms. Formed in 1990 by leaders in public health, environmental protection, affordable housing, and civil rights, the Alliance is the preeminent national advocacy and policy organization working to protect children from lead poisoning.