Lead poisoning is a significant, preventable environmental health problem among children in the United States.
Lead poisoning can cause learning, behavior, and health problems in young children.
In adults, lead can cause high blood pressure, kidney damage, and damage to the reproductive organs. Lead exposure may occur in workplaces that use lead. Lead may be present in homes containing paint manufactured before 1979. The data are used to help identify populations at risk for elevated blood lead levels. The surveillance system is designed to help ensure that screening services are provided to groups identified as having the highest risk of lead poisoning and that environmental and medical follow-up is provided to children with elevated blood lead levels.