The article discusses types of teratogenic agents, (behavioral defects caused by toxic agents) behavioral targets, organismic vulnerability during growth spurts, teratogenic "routing" (path to the brain), exposure, and duration of effects. Lead is used as a paradigm of chemical neurotoxins known to affect cognitive and noncognitive…

A broad spectrum of potentially hazardous chemicals offers serious exposure risks to members of college and university communities. A formal program is needed to minimize exposure to these substances and maintain a prevention oriented protective program. The University of Massachusetts has developed such a program. (JN)

The study investigated possible relationships between lead levels and behavioral problems in 55 elementary schoolchildren (26 with behavior problems and 29 controls). The group of behavior problem children had significantly higher hair lead levels. (Author/SB)

Describes a study designed to examine the effectiveness of the family-based environmental education lead poisoning program called "The Adventure of Lead Commander". Design and methodological weaknesses call into question the conclusions reached in the study. The effectiveness of the educational program cannot be ascertained from the data…

This study investigated the relationship between hair mineral elements and childhood learning disabilities and determined which minerals, if any, separated 26 learning disabled children with 24 normal controls. The learning disabled group had significantly raised hair-lead concentrations. There were also differences in the mean levels of 10 other…

Hair trace mineral concentrations were compared to a group of 40 retarded children with a nonretarded control group of 27. The retarded group had significantly raised hair lead concentrations. There were also differences in the mean levels of six nutrient minerals. (Author)

Provides a review of the history of lead poisoning in children and discusses recent survey findings and prevention measures. (CM)

The article reviews experimental data on the deleterious effects of environmental lead and cadmium on cognitive functioning of children. (CL)

Excess lead concentration (resulting primarily from vehicular emissions) in Baltimore's inner city soils probably has a bearing on that city's child lead poisoning problem. Soil lead concentrations were lower outside the inner city. (GC)

To raise public awareness about lead poison hazards associated with home repair/remodeling, literature was distributed and training for store employees conducted in large retail home centers. Although store managers were supportive, their hectic work situation made training difficult. Following outreach in 22 of 23 stores, postcards returned by…

Reanalysis of previously reported findings associating preschool lead level and outcome measures (including cognitive measures, reading tests, and teacher behavior ratings) did not substantiate the positive findings. (CL)

Hair lead content, intelligence tests, school achievement, and motor impairment assessments were obtained from 149 children aged 5 to 16. Hair lead concentration significantly discriminated between groups and significantly predicted IQ scores, independent of group classifications. Regression analyses showed a significant negative correlation…

The relationship between subtoxic metal levels and mild mental retardation and borderline intelligence was investigated through comparison of hair metal concentrations in 135 secondary students with mild retardation or borderline intelligence. Children in the retarded/borderline group had significantly higher lead and cadmium concentrations.…

This report is the first in a quarterly series which will contain statistics and epidemiologic notes on lead poisoning at both the national and local levels. This report contains (a) statistics on childhood lead poisoning; (b) a status report on the Community Lead Poisoning Data System, which was designed to assist local lead control programs and…

A review of the effects of chronic undue or low lead absorption on the speech and language behavior of children concludes that the evidence supports the presence of speech and language problems in some low-lead level children. The severity, duration, and specific nature of the problems, however, are not clear. (Author/CL)