An estimated 900,000 U.S. children have elevated lead levels in their blood, according to the June issue of Pediatrics, a medical journal published by the American Academy of Pediatrics.

The journal has set guidelines to determine whether parents should have their infants' or toddlers' lead levels checked, and will also help public health officials and doctors identify children most at risk.

The guidelines suggest that childen should be checked for elevated lead levels in their blood if they either live in or visit homes built before 1950.

Lower IQs and behavioral problems such as aggression in children have been linked to lead exposure, studies have shown. Although lead levels have dropped due to initiatives such as removing lead from gasoline, paint and food cans, 4.4% of children still show elevated lead levels in children aged one to five.

The guidelines suggest that one and two-year olds living in areas where 27% of the housing was built before 1950 or where 12% of young children have elevated blood lead levels should be tested.

According to the pediatric study, approximately three-quarters of plrivately owned and occupied housing units probably contain lead paint, with age and condition serving as the best indicators of hazards related to lead-based paint.

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Published: June 23, 1998

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