Put children first. There is a new urgency about reducing lead risks to all children, especially those in school and child care facilities. A renewed commitment among a national group of experts and advocates has emerged to end the costly tragedy of lead poisoning through coordinated, comprehensive campaigns.
Experts agree, there is no safe level of lead for children, particularly those six years and younger, a conclusion shared by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), the American Medical Association (AMA), the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and the U.S.Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Indeed, no one, not even adults, is exempt from the effects of lead. Elevated Blood Lead levels (EBL) in children contribute to IQ deficits and learning, behavioral, and attentional problems; adverse effects can occur at very low levels. CDC is in the process of reviewing a scientific recommendation to revise the blood lead reference value for children from 5 micrograms per deciliter to 3.5 micrograms per deciliter.
