摘要：The detrimental effects of lead exposure in children have been known for
over 100 years. Although a few initial measures implemented about 30
years ago were effective in somewhat reducing levels of lead exposure in
children, relatively little has been done recently from a policy perspective
to protect children from lead. We now know from recent research
that much more work is needed. Recent events highlighted in the media
show that several urban communities still have unacceptable levels of lead in water
systems. Early research identifi ed high levels of lead as being particularly detrimental
to children’s intellectual and behavioral development. However, new studies have
discovered that lower levels of lead, levels once thought safe, also cause considerable
damage to children’s developmental outcomes. This social policy report summarizes
new data on the intellectual, academic, and behavioral defi cits seen in children
exposed to both low and high levels of lead, discusses the biological and neurological
mechanisms of lead poisoning, explores sources of environmental lead exposure and
lead abatement practices, shows that current federal and state-level child screening
and lead level reporting practices are inadequate, and makes policy recommendations
centered on increasing education, intensifying abatement efforts, strengthening
and regulating mandatory screening practices, and reducing the federal threshold of
allowable levels of lead.
Loading...
