PEDIATRICS Vol. 53 No. 2 February 1974, pp. 142-143
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Increased Lead Absorption: Paint Is Not the Only Problem

Douglas G. Mitchell Ph.D.1

1 Division of Laboratories and Research, New York State Department of Health, Albany, New York 12201

In the first half of fiscal 1972, over 65,000 children in the United States were screened for undue absorption of lead as part of 47 federally funded lead-poisoning control programs. Many state, county, city and citizens groups are carrying out similar programs reaching at least another 65,000 children. This screening is concentrated in decaying urban areas, where many children are exposed to paint chips containing up to 20% lead. Primary emphasis is placed upon detecting children with undue lead absorption and then physically separating them from the lead source: chipped and peeling paint on walls, windows, and skirting boards.

There is little doubt that ingestion of leaded pigmented paint is the prime cause of overt lead poisoning.