1 Child Behavior Research Unit, State University of New York, Downstate Medical Center, 450 Clarkson Avenue, Brooklyn, New York 11203
The observations of Dr. Feingold1 concerning hyperactivity and its association with food additives raises the possibility of an interesting coincidence. In our work, we have been concerned with the relationship that the heavy metal lead has with hyperactivity. In studying this association we have been treating certain hyperactive children (approximately 50% to 60% of our hyperactive population) with lead chelating agents. We have been struck by the fact that at the start of this regimen many of our patients experience a worsening of the behavioral disturbance.