Lead Paint
Ingesting dust from deteriorating lead-based paint is the most common cause of lead poisoning among children. It is estimated that 890,000 children ages 1 to 5 have blood lead levels high enough to affect intelligence, growth and development. Children ages 1 to 2 are at the greatest risk from lead poisoning. Children are more likely to suffer elevated blood lead levels if they are low-income, receiving Medicaid, living in large metropolitan areas or living in older housing. In the 15 years following intensive efforts to reduce lead in consumer products such as gasoline and paint, a nearly 80 percent decline in elevated blood lead levels among children ages 1 to 5 was observed. Lead Poisoning
National Safety Council
www.nsc.org