Increased Pb absorption was found in 1972 in 56% of 256 children aged 1-18 yr who lived within 1.6 km of a Pb-emitting ore smeltery in El Paso, Tex. Engineering improvements have subsequently reduced emissions from the smeltery, and Pb levels in air, dust and soil have declined. To evaluate the impact of these environmental improvements on Pb absorption, a follow-up study was conducted in 1977 of blood Pb levels in 140 children aged 1-18 yr who lived within 1.6 km of the smeltery. Mean blood Pb levels were found to have decreased from 41.4-17.7 .mu.g/dl in children living within 0.8 km of the plant and from 31.2-20.2 .mu.g/dl in children living at 0.8-1.6 km. These data argue for the feasibility of reducing children''s Pb absorption near primary lead smelteries.