What is of most concern is new evidence that suggests lead poisoning may result in abnormal infant and childhood development, with such problems as lack of attention, decreased hearing and learning difficulties. Because lead poisoning is more likely to be associated with poor housing and poor nutrition, children in poverty are at the highest risk for lead poisoning. And the lead burden they bear may also put them at risk for abnormal development and school failure. Lead poisoning can be treated, using medications like EDTA, succimer or dimercaprol, to chelate the lead and allow it to be excreted in the urine. However, lead poisoning is chronic.
Treatment can extend many painful months, and often in the hospital setting.
The child's total body burden of lead can be reduced by environmental and chelating measures, but our society must do all we can to prevent the developmental toll of even mild lead poisoning. Please ask your pediatrician about testing your child's lead level, and about ways in which you can work in your community to reduce this threat to our children's well-being. You should not use this information to diagnose or treat a health problem or disease without consulting with a qualified healthcare provider. Please consult your healthcare provider with any questions or concerns you may have regarding your condition.