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Childhood lead poisoning is one of the most common and
preventable environmental health problems today. The leading
cause of childhood lead poisoning is dust from lead-based paint in
homes. Although lead was banned in residential paint in 1978, a
high percentage of homes in Connecticut were built before 1978 and
may still contain lead-based paint. However, housing built before
1950 generally contains the highest amount of lead-based paint,
since paint used at that time had a high lead content.

The U. S. Centers for Disease Control defines lead toxicity as a lead
level greater than or equal to 10 ug/dL. Blood lead levels (BLL's) as
low as 10 ug/dL are associated with harmful effects on children's
learning and behavior. Very high BLL's (<69 ug/dL) cause
devastating health consequences, including seizures, coma and
even death. It is currently estimated that some 890,000 U.S. children
have BLLs >9 ug/dL (CDC, 1997). Since the elimination of lead from
gasoline, lead-based paint hazards in homes are the most important
remaining source of lead exposure in U.S. children.

Childhood exposure to lead usually occurs in two ways:

* Deteriorated paint (and resulting dust) in poorly
maintained older housing

* Repainting and remodeling projects that disturb leaded

paint without appropriate safeguards to control,
contain, and clean up lead dust.

Disclaimer

This web site is designed to help you understand childhood lead
poisoning and get the information you need regarding childhood
lead poisoning. This web site represents the general view of the
members.