INTRODUCTION
THE LONG-TERM consequences of unabated exposures to environmental lead sources can be serious, particularly for children. Recent scientific studies have shown a progressive decline in the lowest exposure levels of lead at which adverse effects can be reliably detected in children. In recognition of this, Congress directed the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR), in consultation with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), to examine the nature and extent of childhood lead poisoning in the United States. The study was to address such areas as the long-term health implications of environmental lead exposure in children, the extent of lead intoxication of children in terms of geographic areas and sources of lead in the United States, and methods and strategies for removing lead from the environment of U.S. children. This article summarizes the key findings of the report.1*
EXPOSURE CLASSIFICATION
The degree of exposure to children was classified