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Chronic nephritis in Queensland, Australia, and especially Brisbane is unduly prevalent as a factor in mortality in age groups under 30 years. This investigation, issued under the authority of the Minister for Health, implicates lead intoxication in children as the most likely cause rather than scarlet fever, focal sepsis, mosquito-borne diseases and climatic effects. The source of the lead is thought to be weathered and powdered house paint. The technic and advantages of the diphenylthiocarbazone (dithizone) method for the estimation of lead in biologic material is incorporated in the study.