| Exposure to lead can lead to serious problems, especially for young children, due to lead’s interference with the development of the brain and other organ systems. Although high levels of lead exposure are now rare in the U.S., the more common chronic, low-level exposure can lead to problems such as lowered IQ, short attention span, hyperactivity, stunted growth and reading and learning disabilities. According to the Alliance to End Childhood Lead Poisoning (2000), the best way to prevent lead exposure in children is proper home maintenance (i.e., getting rid of lead-based house paint and replacing old lead water pipes) and practicing good hygiene (i.e., having children wash their hands after playing outside and before meals). Parental education in such practices and careful building maintenance may be keys to lowering lead exposure levels, especially among families living in poverty. |
