• Knowledgebase: Information on Specific Illnesses

    Here you will find discussions of specific illnesses and their management.

    25. I have been reading more about lead poisoning... - Top

    Q: I have been reading more about lead poisoning and was wondering if my children are at risk?

    A: In recent years, we have lowered the lead level that we considering to be of concern. Previously a lead level below 40 was considered OK and now levels below 15 are considered OK. Research has shown levels 15 - 40 that were thought safe before can be associated with some neurologic problems. All children should have lead testing done if there are high risk

    Risk Factors: living in housing built before 1978 (lead was in paint before then), old plumbing with lead soldering, living near a factory in which lead is produced or is a by-product (battery
    factory), children that eat or chew on things excessively and food cooked in pottery (glazed used in other countries on pottery may captain lead.

    Over the past several years, we had been doing lead levels on all children 1 to 2 years of age and have found only two children with levels of 16, the remainder were all normal. Therefore, the concern of lead poisoning in our area is very low. If you have concerns about your children, their levels can be checked.

    For mere details about lead poisoning, you can call the Lead Information Center at 1-800-424-5323 Monday through Friday (8:30 am to 5pm).
    - Updated: March 24, 2001

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    • James L Horwitz, MD

    David C. Thomas, MD

    Barbara Lindberg, PNP