Lead abatement and prevention of developmental disabilities

Abstract

There are many causes of developmental disabilities including environmental factors. This article discusses “safe” levels of lead in children, and their association with developmental disabilities. Outcomes of this review of literature are that the current “safe” level of 10 ug/dl needs to be reconsidered, and that there is a need for continuing research in the area of lead pollution in Australia. Lead pollution in the north Lake Macquarie area of New South Wales (NSW) has long been of great concern to the public and for environmentalists. Data on blood lead level (Pb-B) of pre-school children in Australia and the north Lake Macquarie area, and the adverse health effects of lead for young children are also reviewed in this article. Although the trend of Pb-B for pre-school children in north Lake Macquarie has decreased, the percentage of children with Pb-B > 10 μg/dl over the last several years has been high and there is in fact no safe level for Pb-B. It is clear that a lead abatement strategy in the area is necessary. More studies are also required to investigate the relationship between low level lead exposure and the formation of developmental disabilities, especially in areas where lead pollution remains a concern. Lead toxicity is a major public health issue and present data limitation should not be an excuse for delay in the initiation of lead abatement strategies.