Amy J. Pearse Mary C. Mitchell Epidemiologic studies of children show that those exposed to lead, even low levels of lead, may have a lower IQ, learning disabilities, behavioral abnormalities and kidney damage. Cognitive and growth defects also may occur in infants whose mothers are exposed to lead during pregnancy.
Lead intoxication is a widespread problem.
One of every nine children under six years of age has blood lead levels high enough to be at risk. In 1970, an estimated 3 million children aged less than 6 years had blood lead levels associated with adverse health events. Children in older, inner-city neighborhoods are more likely to be affected, but children in suburban and rural areas are at risk too. There is currently no lead level believed to be safe for infants and young children. In lead poisoning, there is a silent progression of nonspecific symptoms which makes it difficult to detect.