CDC Reports Urges Doctors On Signs Of Lead Poisoning In Kids

Atlanta, GA (AHN) - Amid growing parent concerns over imported toys with lead, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on Thursday is urging doctors to be more alert to the signs of lead poisoning.

A government panel is saying that children with blood lead levels lower than the U.S. standard may still suffer low IQs or other problems.

Lead poisoning in kids is dangerous as it can cause irreversible learning disabilities and behavioral problems. At very high levels, it can cause seizures, coma and even death.

This is the first time the Advisory Committee on Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention is focusing on the risks to children with lower levels of lead in their blood. Since 1991, the CDC has set a standard for lead poisoning at 10 micrograms per deciliter of blood. The same number is used in Canada and Britain.

According to CDC estimates, approximately 310,000 U.S. children aged 1-5 years have blood lead levels greater than 10 micrograms of lead per deciliter of blood.

Though such children do not exhibit any symptoms, scientists now believe that intellectual development may be affected at lower levels.

Recent research has indicated differences in intellectual development of children with measurable levels of lead poisoning as compared to other kids, the Associated Press reports.

The report, which is being published in the November issue of the medical journal Pediatrics, advises doctors to talk to parents of children who have lower levels of lead and explain them on measures to prevent any additional exposure.