While efforts over the past two decades to eliminate the most common causes of childhood lead poisoning have greatly reduced the number of affected children, more must be done. Other HHS agencies are also involved in screening, research and other activities to prevent childhood lead poisoning.
Lead poisoning can affect a child's brain, kidneys, bone marrow, and other body systems.
Levels even as low as 10 micrograms of lead per deciliter of blood in infants, children, and pregnant women can impair children's cognitive function and growth and contribute to behavioral problems. Great strides have been made in reducing lead exposure during the past two decades. Lead is no longer present in gasoline, new supplies of house paint, food and beverage cans. Lead also has been reduced in industrial emissions, drinking water, hazardous waste and consumer goods. As a result, there has been a decline of more than 80 percent in children's blood lead levels since the mid-1970s.