Introduction Lead poisoning is the number one environmental health problem in the United States and affects many children in the greater New Haven region. In many countries, including the U.S., lead is one of the most common sources of poisoning in children.
Lead poisoning affects young children of all economic backgrounds.
Children who are at risk often live in older homes where lead-based paint is not well maintained or where people renovate homes and do not follow necessary safety precautions. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, almost a million children, age one to five, who were screened from 1991 to 1994 had elevated blood lead levels. Considering about 83 percent of the houses built before 1980 contain some lead-based paint, many more children are at risk for exposure to this toxic metal. Neurological damage from the lead can cause learning difficulties and other problems without the child or parent knowing it. All children should be screened for lead in their blood at least at one and two years of age.