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Editorial
April 16, 2019

Screening for Elevated Blood Lead Levels in Children and Pregnant Women

Author Affiliations
  • 1University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore
  • 2Family and Community Health, University of Maryland School of Nursing, Baltimore
JAMA. 2019;321(15):1464-1465. doi:10.1001/jama.2019.2594

In this issue of JAMA, the US Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) presents its recommendation on screening for elevated blood lead levels in children and pregnant women,1 along with the evidence summary supporting this recommendation2—a reevaluation of the 2006 recommendations.3 Lead exposure in children is associated with significant neurologic effects, including deficits in IQ and increased risk of hyperactivity.4,5 Elevated lead levels in pregnant women are associated with gestational hypertension and spontaneous abortion.6,7 While changes in public policy have led to substantial declines in prevalence of lead poisoning and elevated lead levels in children, prevention of lead exposure and its consequences remains of paramount importance.

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