American Academy of Pediatrics Committee on Environmental Hazards and Committee on Accident and Poison Prevention: Statement on childhood lead poisoning.

Patterns of childhood lead poisoning have changed substantially in the United States. The mean blood lead level has declined, and acute intoxication with encephalopathy has become uncommon. Nonetheless, between 1976 and 1980, 780,000 children, 1 to 6 years of age, had blood lead concentrations of 30 micrograms/L or above. These levels of absorption, previously thought to be safe, are now known to cause loss of neurologic and intellectual function, even in asymptomatic children. Because this loss is largely irreversible and cannot fully be restored by medical treatment, pediatricians' efforts must be directed toward prevention. Prevention is achieved by reducing children's exposure to lead and by early detection of increased absorption. Childhood lead poisoning is now defined by the Academy as a whole blood lead concentration of 25 micrograms/L or more, together with an erythrocyte protoporphyrin level of 35 micrograms/dL or above. This definition does not require the presence of symptoms. It is identical with the new definition of the US Public Health Service. Lead poisoning in children previously was defined by a blood lead concentration of 30 micrograms/dL with an erythrocyte protoporphyrin level of 50 micrograms/dL. To prevent lead exposure in children, the Academy urges public agencies to develop safe and effective methods for the removal and proper disposal of all lead-based paint from public and private housing. Also, the Academy urges the rapid and complete removal of all lead from gasoline.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)