Lead May Be Dangerous At Lower Levels

Thursday, November 1st 2007, 7:48 pm

By: News On 6

ATLANTA (AP) -- A federal report finds children with blood lead levels lower than the U.S. standard may still suffer lower IQs or other problems. And a government advisory panel is urging doctors to be more alert to signs of lead poisoning.

The warning comes amid growing parent concerns over imported toys with lead.

Lead poisoning can cause irreversible learning disabilities and behavioral problems and, at very high levels, seizures, coma and even death.

The author of the report, in the journal Pediatrics, says it's the first time the Advisory Committee on Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention has focused on the risks to children with lower levels of lead in their blood.