Scientists found that blood lead concentrations were associated with increased risk of behavioral and emotional problems, such as being anxious, depressed, or aggressive.
NIEHS Health Scientist Administrator Kimberly Gray said that the research focused on lower blood lead levels than most other studies and adds more evidence that there is no safe lead level and it is important to continue to study lead exposure in children around the world, and to fully understand short-term and long-term behavioral changes across developmental milestones. It is well-documented that lead exposure lowers the IQ of children.
In the United States, lead exposure usually comes from lead-containing products, such as paint, caulking, and pipe solder, in older homes, while in China, lead exposure is more often related to air pollution.
U.S. studies have reported that lead exposure causes externalizing behavior problems, such as aggressiveness and bullying, which may lead to truancy and even jail time as children get older. In this study, children with higher blood lead levels had internalizing problems, such as anxiety and depression, as well as some externalizing problems.
Agencies/Canadajournal
Canada Journal – News of the World Articles and videos to bring you the biggest Canadian news stories from across the country every day
