Chronic Lead Toxicity Chronic Lead Neurotoxicity Lead toxicity is a significant public health problem in the U.S. causing impairment of cognitive abilities and significant delays in behavioral development in children. The intellectual deficits persist throughout life.
Toxicity often occurs because of the exposure of children to lead which can be found in many homes.
In the DBTS, lead toxicity research employs an animal model of lead exposure, which mimics the toxicity observed clinically in young children. This work is uniquely focused on the effects of lead that most closely relate to the clinical manifestations of public health concern. New concepts from these studies are forming the basis for improved prevention and medical treatment. Stephen Lasley, Ph.D., joined the DBTS in 1986. He is both a neurotoxicologist and an epilepsy scientist.