This is a really good study that gives some insight into the academic performance impacts of lead exposure even at low levels. They studied over 500 children from the urban area around Boston and a rural area in Maine and compared their results on several measures of IQ and academic performance. They found that even after adjusting for variables such as race, socioeconomic status, and caregiver IQ, children with Blood Lead Levels of 5-10 μg/dL scored an average of 5 to 6 points lower on IQ tests. They showed specific impairments in the areas of working memory and spatial reasoning as well as math, basic reading and reading comprehension.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2276844/
In one section of this study, they also note "that the impact of increased exposure at lower levels of lead might be greater than the proportional impact at higher levels." This goes against the current prevailing medical model of treating lead exposure. I have been told by numerous pediatricians in two different countries that low level lead exposure is not a problem. The research is showing that the opposite is true. The cumulative impact of long term low level lead exposure is more dangerous than a single high dose exposure to lead. It is commonly believed that kids need to eat or mouth lead paint to get enough lead to be dangerous and I was even told initially that lead could not be an issue for my child because there were no lead paint chips in his stomach on x ray. These false beliefs are governing our children's medical care and it is just not ok. Doctors, especially pediatricians, need to be trained in what the latest research from the last ten years really shows. We need building codes updated and contractors need to be taught to look for lead when they work in older homes. Most of all, we need to raise public awareness so that parents have the knowledge they need to keep their kids safe and to be good advocates for them if any issues arise.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2276844/
In one section of this study, they also note "that the impact of increased exposure at lower levels of lead might be greater than the proportional impact at higher levels." This goes against the current prevailing medical model of treating lead exposure. I have been told by numerous pediatricians in two different countries that low level lead exposure is not a problem. The research is showing that the opposite is true. The cumulative impact of long term low level lead exposure is more dangerous than a single high dose exposure to lead. It is commonly believed that kids need to eat or mouth lead paint to get enough lead to be dangerous and I was even told initially that lead could not be an issue for my child because there were no lead paint chips in his stomach on x ray. These false beliefs are governing our children's medical care and it is just not ok. Doctors, especially pediatricians, need to be trained in what the latest research from the last ten years really shows. We need building codes updated and contractors need to be taught to look for lead when they work in older homes. Most of all, we need to raise public awareness so that parents have the knowledge they need to keep their kids safe and to be good advocates for them if any issues arise.
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