Primary Prevention of Childhood Lead Poisoning — The Only Solution

Lead poisoning in children was first recognized in its severe acute form, known as lead encephalopathy.1 This condition is characterized by seizures, coma, and — not infrequently — death, and it is associated with severe neurologic sequelae in survivors. Although lead encephalopathy has become rare in the past 15 to 20 years, the dangers of clinically asymptomatic lead poisoning in children have become increasingly clear. Longitudinal studies of development from birth to adolescence show that irreversible cognitive damage can occur with blood lead levels considerably lower than those typically associated with overt symptoms.2,3 Recognition of this problem has led . . .