Lead poisoning: more than a medical problem.

Abstract

Medical records of 236 Newark, New Jersey children hospitalized and chelated for lead poisoning in 1977 through 1980 were reviewed to determine whether or not any discemible progress had been made in eradicating the disease since 1972. Results show that the number of treated asymptomatic children, ages 1-6, began to rise after 1976 and was higher in 1980 than in 1972 when the

Methods for Reducing Lead Exposure in Young Children and Other Risk Groups: An Integrated Summary of a Report to the U.S. Congress on Childhood Lead Poisoning

“…In addition, a detailed study of data from Newark, NJ, for a 9-year period showed that the rate of positive toxicity cases in young children increased about 4-fold after funding for lead screening and public education programs was reduced (45) (1), and this allowed testing of 12,308 children, of whom 1,356 or 11.02% tested positive for lead exposure using the relevant CDC toxicity risk classifications. Of these positives, 849 were classified as Class II, 445 as Class Ill, and 62 as Class IV, the most severe level of toxicity [see report to Congress (1), for detailed discussion of screening classifications].…”

Lead Contamination Adjacent to Roadways in Trujillo, Venezuela

“…Although lead is clearly a health problem, it is also a social problem in that addressing and alleviating the contamination depends on factors outside the purview of the medical community (Schneider and Lavenhar 1986). Lead contamination originates from a variety of sources, both stationary and mobile, including lead-based paint, exhaust emissions from cars burning leaded gasoline, and industrial sources such as battery manufacturing plants and lead smelters.…”

Inuit women, decision-making and contaminants.

“…The literature on lead and human and/or environmental health published since the late 1970s focuses on the effects of lead-based paint (Talbott et al, 1982;Schneider and Lavenhar, 1986;Rabin, 1989;Kim et al, 2002;Bernard and McGeehin, 2003), occupational health hazards as a result of lead exposure (Corn, 1976;Seligman et al, 1986;Corcoran, 2002;Enander et al, 2004) and water contaminated by lead (Morse et al, 1979;Houk et al, 1989;Bois et al, 1989;Urbansky and Schock, 2000). Although the use of lead has declined in North America in recent decades, it can still be found in paint, leaded gasoline, old plumbing, contaminated soil and drinking water (Kwan, 1999;Sanborn et al, 2002;Levesque et al, 2003;Substance Selection Task Force, 2003;Koller et al, 2004).…”