New Study Says Low Lead Level Exposures Harmful to Childrens' Academic Achievement

Long time readers to Non-Toxic Kids know my feelings about the harmful effects of “low” level lead exposures. After sitting through the presentations of two well known doctors discussing the effects of low level lead exposure in the Vermont legislature, I am convinced the levels of “safe” exposure need to be lowered.

Now another study proves that very point.

From MSN, word that researchers in the UK have found a clear link between low level lead exposure and lower scores on standardized tests, higher levels of hyperactivity and anti-social behavior.

“The researchers also talked to teachers as part of their research and found that children with blood lead levels above 10 micrograms per deciliter were nearly three times as likely to show hyperactivity and anti-social behavior as children whose blood lead levels were between 0 and 2 micrograms per deciliter.”

Lead is particularly harmful to children due to their rapid rate of development, sensitive tissue, and smaller size.

When I had my girls tested, they wouldn’t tell me the exact level just that it was in the “safe” zone. I didn’t find that particularly comforting, because I wanted to know what their number was. Was it 5 micrograms per deciliter? Or 10, where there is already harm?

"Exposure to lead early in childhood has effects on subsequent educational attainment, even at low blood levels (5 to 10 micrograms per deciliter)," he noted in an email to Reuters Health. "Our results suggest that the threshold for clinical concern should be reduced to 5 micrograms per deciliter."

I wholeheartedly agree. Lead is most commonly acquired from lead pipes, paint and contaminated soil. But high concentrations of lead have been found in trinket jewelry, toys and other products for children.