Impacts of low-level lead exposure on development of children: recent studies in China.
BACKGROUND
In China, comprehensive epidemiological data relating to the prevalence of childhood lead poisoning are not available. However, existing data suggest that this disease may be widely pervasive as a result of rapid industrialization and the extensive use of leaded gasoline. About twenty publications have reported elevated blood lead levels (BPb) in children from different areas of the country. For the past 5 years, several prospective and retrospective studies have been added to evaluate the harmful health effects of lead at the current degrees of exposure in different places in China. The link between low-level lead exposure and deficits in IQ, neurobehavioral development and physical growth is remarkably consistent without exception.


CONCLUSIONS
The harmful health effects of childhood lead poisoning in limited studies of exposed and "unexposed" children demonstrate that this totally preventable disease warrants considerable public health attention in China.
Shen
X
X
Division of Environmental Sciences, Shanghai Institute for Pediatric Research, Xin Hua Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Second Medical University, 1665 Kong Jiang Road, 200092, Shanghai, China. xmshen@online.sh.cn
Wu
S
S
Yan
C
C
D002648:Child; D002658:Developmental Disabilities / Q000209:etiology*; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D004781:Environmental Exposure; D006801:Humans; D007854:Lead / Q000009:adverse effects*; D007855:Lead Poisoning / Q000150:complications / Q000503:physiopathology*
D007854:Lead