Lead Exposure

Although the United States has placed greater restrictions on lead-based products since the 1960s, remaining lead contained in the soil, dust, and paint chips is still a threat for children today. In fact, the U.S. Public of Health Services estimated that one-sixth of children are at risk for lead-related health concerns (Kalat & Wurm, 1999). Children of lower socioeconomic status living in deteriorating homes are the most at risk for lead exposure. Younger children are also susceptible because they are more likely to place objects (e.g., paint chips or toys with lead contaminated dust) in their mouths.

Lead exposure has a wide range of effects on children's development and behavior. Children are especially vulnerable because their bodies are rapidly developing. Lead enters the body through the nose or mouth and remains in the bloodstream until it is absorbed into the bones (U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, 1999). Lead exposure impairs the formation of synapses, interferes with neurotrans-mitters, damages the covering of motor nerves, and affects metabolism by competing with iron and calcium for absorption (Kalat & Wurm, 1999). At extremely high levels, lead can cause permanent damage to the brain. Yet, evidence doesn’t support the long-term neuropsychological effects from mild exposure to lead (Phelps & Nathanson, 1998). Although lead exposure is correlated with impaired motor and visual perceptual skills, poor school performance, absenteeism, deviant behavior, and ADHD, lead can’t be identified as a primary cause because of other confounding variables (Kalat & Wurm, 1999). Because the severity and permanency of these effects remain controversial and inconclusive, more research is necessary.

Children who are at risk for lead exposure should undergo a medical evaluation. Children with high levels of lead exposure may require chelation, a medical treatment in which drugs assist in the removal of lead through the urine (Kalat & Wurm, 1999). Chelation is necessary for children with levels of lead exposure greater than 45 µg of lead per dL (Phelps & Nathanson, 1998). In addition to medical treatment, it is important to reduce lead exposure in the child's environment. The following prevention and intervention strategies are recommended by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (1999):

• Screening children for lead exposure
• Assessing lead levels in drinking water and determining the presence of decaying lead-based paint in homes
• Hiring a professional to remove contaminated soil and lead-based paint
• Keeping floors, surfaces, and toys clean of lead-based dust and paint
• Increasing iron and calcium in the diet

Children who have been exposed to lead may have learning, behavior, speech, or language problems (U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, 1999). However, many children remain undiagnosed because symptoms aren’t always apparent. Therefore, school psychologists play an important role in educating families regarding the risks of lead exposure and encouraging families to have their children screened by a doctor or public health agency.