Some highlights from a new study out of Cornell University regarding lead toxicity and the brain:

• The Center for Disesase Control and Prevention (CDC) has standards that say a lead level below 10 mcg/dl is safe
• However, 1 out of 10 children in the United States has a blood lead level (BLL) of 5 mcg/dl or higher
• This new study found that the average IQ scores of children with BLLs of only 5 to 10 mcg/dl were about 5 points lower than the IQ scores of children with BLLs less than 5 mcg/dl.

According to the authors of the six year study:  "The results provide compelling evidence that low-level lead exposure has effects into the school-age years…The bottom line… is that lead is a persistent neurotoxin that causes brain damage. The fact that lead has been found in millions of toys, even toys specifically designed for children to put into their mouths, presents an unacceptable risk. Our findings suggest the need to re-evaluate the current federal standards for lead in consumer products and the current definition of an elevated BLL in children".

About a year ago I posted this article about lead effects in adults, that also lists some surprising toxic sources from the home.

Posted: Thursday, November 29th, 2007 at 1:01 am
Categories: Brain, Brain Busters.