Dr. Greene logo

Lead Poisoning is More Common Than You Think!

When I was a child I loved playing with a set of metal soldiers. I remember putting them in my mouth. Now I cringe at the thought. 
Photo credit: Wasan Prunglampoo

 

Many parents aren’t aware that lead is the most significant environmental health hazard for US children. More than one in 25 American children have blood lead levels high enough to lower IQ or to cause learning disabilities, violent behavior, attention-deficit disorder or hyperactivity.

There are many sources of lead in the environment, but today most cases of lead poisoning come from the fine dust from old interior paint. Some European countries banned lead-based interior paint as early as 1909, but the US didn’t take this step until 1978 (when over 88% of children had toxic lead levels!).

If your child has any behaviors associated with lead toxicity, or if you can answer yes to any of these questions, have your child tested for lead.

 

Published on: December 21, 1999
About the Author

Alan Greene MD

Photo of Alan Greene MD
Dr. Greene is a practicing physician, author, national and international TEDx speaker, and global health advocate. He is a graduate of Princeton University and University of California San Francisco.
Get Dr. Greene's Wellness RecommendationsSignup now to get Dr. Greene's healing philosophy, insight into medical trends, parenting tips, seasonal highlights, and health news delivered to your inbox every month.
About Us
  • About DrGreene.com
  • Contact Us
  • Awards
  • Terms of Use
  • Privacy Policy
Content
  • Dr. Greene's Blog
  • Recipes
  • Books by Dr. Greene
  • Subscribe to our newsletter
DrGreene logo

Our goal is to improve children's health by inspiring parents to become knowledgable partners who can work with their children's physicians in new and rich ways.

  • Facebook
  • Twitter

© 1995 - 2025 DrGreene All Rights Reserved