LESSON 3.11

Children’s Health in the U.S. – Part 1

Lead Levels in Children

  • Environmental childhood lead exposure is a health hazard that contributes to learning & behavioral problems.
  • A blood lead level of 5 μg/dL is elevated & requires environmental and health investigations.

BUT no level is considered safe

  • Since the 1970’s, declines in lead in children’s blood have been reported due to lead removal from gasoline and paint.
    • BUT in 2005-2006, 15% of U.S. homes with children had indoor lead health hazards (in dust or deteriorated lead-based paint)
  • The highest rates of elevated lead levels are noted in Black children and children living below the federal poverty level.

Increased levels of lead in children’s blood is now primarily associated with the inhalation of contaminated dust or ingestion of deteriorated lead containing paint. Children under the age of 5 years are particularly at risk in these types of environments due to the frequent hand-to-mouth behaviors typical of these age groups.