Subclinical Lead Exposure in Philadelphia Schoolchildren

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Abstract
Dentine lead levels were measured from shed deciduous teeth of 761 Philadelphia schoolchildren with no prior history of lead poisoning and residing in two school districts, one considered high risk for lead exposure, and one considered low risk. Black children in public schools from areas of deteriorated housing had marked elevations of dentine lead (mean of 198 μg per gram, in 174 children), with 20 per cent of the children having levels in the range associated with toxicity. White children from newer housing had the lowest levels (mean of 41.7μg per gram, 304 children), but a group of white children from intact housing living near and attending school adjacent to a major lead processor also had elevations of dentine lead (mean of 136 μg per gram, 71 determinations). Lead exposure as defined by dentine lead levels is more serious and widespread than previously acknowledged, and extends to groups other than those traditionally accepted as at risk. (N Engl J Med 290:245–248, 1974).

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