Lead Absorption in Children

Abstract

It has been claimed that a raised blood lead level is a common finding among mentally retarded children and that this is of aetiological significance. One hundred and twenty-three mentally handicapped children of uncertain aetiology, 24 with mongolism, and 73 controls have been examined for lead intoxication. The results indicate that the three groups do not differ significantly as regards blood lead levels and no definite evidence of either acute or chronic lead poisoning has been obtained. This study does not suggest that these mentally backward children have been particularly at risk from lead poisoning, and emphasizes the limited value of an isolated estimation of the blood lead level. These conclusions do not depend on whether 36 or 50 jkg. of lead per 100 ml. of blood is regarded as the upper limit of normal. However, if a value is found which is above the accepted level for the population in a particular area, this is an indication for further investigation, but not necessarily for treatment. © 1967, British Medical Journal Publishing Group. All rights reserved.