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Recommendations for the Prevention of Lead Poisoning in Children (1976) / Chapter Skim
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What Dose of Lead is Required to Produce Adverse Effects?
Pages 3-6

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From page 3...
... The sequelae of symptomatic but less severe lead poisoning includes seizure disorders as well as various behavioral and functional disorders, usually grouped under the heading of minimal brain dysfunction. Clinical studies suggest that the latter syndrome may include hyperactivity, impulsive behavior, prolonged reaction time, perceptual disorders and slowed learning ability.
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From page 4...
... Studies of children malnourished during the first two years of life have shown permanent adverse effects on learning ability and general adjustment. Studies in rats and lambs administered lead during the growth spurt have shown slowed learning abilities which persist in the adult animal, even after blood lead levels have returned to normal.
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From page 5...
... Decreasing hematocrit levels have been reported in children when blood lead levels exceed 40 ug Pb/dl while decreasing hemoglobin levels in both adults and children have been reported at levels equal to or greater than 50-60 yg Pb/dl. In summary, the first metabolic evidence of lead's effect in the hematopoietic system appears at approximately 25-30 yg Pb/dl, while anemia usually does not
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From page 6...
... Taken together, the several reports strongly suggest that both decreased cognitive functioning and an increased frequency of behavioral abnormalities become evident in groups of schoolaged children who have been unduly exposed to lead during the preschool years (see Appendix D)
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Key Terms

  • lead levels
  • lead poisoning
  • dietary lead
  • internal dose
  • lead encephalopathy

  • slowed learning
  • intestinal absorption
  • learning ability
  • absorption rate
  • seizure disorders

  • experimental animals
  • asymptomatic lead
  • lead intake
  • dietary deficiencies
  • minimal brain

  • preschool age
  • levels reach
  • severe mental
  • growth spurt
  • age children

  • external dose
  • low doses
  • mental retardation
  • brain dysfunction
  • clinical symptoms

  • healthy children
  • symptomatic lead
  • childhood lead
  • lead compounds
  • administered lead


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