Half a Million Children in the U.S. at Risk of Developmental Harm from Elevated Lead Levels, Says CDC

The issue of elevated blood lead levels in children is a significant public health concern, as even low levels of lead exposure can harm a child’s development. According to data from various health organizations:

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): The CDC has established a reference level of 3.5 micrograms per deciliter (µg/dL) to identify children with blood lead levels higher than most children’s levels. They estimate that approximately 500,000 children aged 1-5 years in the United States have blood lead levels above this reference level.

World Health Organization (WHO): Globally, the WHO reports that about 1 in 3 children, or approximately 800 million children, have blood lead levels at or above 5 µg/dL. This is a concerning statistic as it indicates widespread exposure to lead, particularly in low- and middle-income countries.

American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP): The AAP emphasizes that no level of lead exposure is safe for children. They highlight that exposure to lead can cause cognitive impairments, behavioral issues, and other health problems, even at low levels of exposure.

Lead exposure typically comes from deteriorating lead-based paint, contaminated soil, household dust, drinking water, and certain toys and jewelry. Preventive measures and policies aimed at reducing lead exposure have helped decrease the prevalence of elevated blood lead levels in children, but it remains an ongoing public health challenge.