Responding to blood lead levels < 10 μg/dL
2008
Response to Concerns About Blood Lead Levels in Children
publication
Evidence: low
Author Information
Author(s): Rhoads George, Brown Mary Jean
Hypothesis
Should the level of concern for blood lead in children be lowered from 10 μg/dL?
Conclusion
The authors argue that there is insufficient evidence to support lowering the concern for blood lead levels in children.
Supporting Evidence
- There was a 90% decrease in U.S. childhood blood lead levels from the late 1970s to the late 1990s.
- No significant improvement in reading scores was noted despite the decrease in blood lead levels.
- Primary prevention has been effective in reducing childhood lead poisoning.
Takeaway
The study discusses whether we should worry less about lead in children's blood, but the authors think we shouldn't because there's not enough proof.
Potential Biases
The regression coefficients relating low blood lead levels to cognitive measures may be biased.
Limitations
The study relies on observational data, which may introduce bias.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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