ABSTRACT
Plumbism was first described as a pediatric environmental health concern during the latter part of the 19th century. To this day, children throughout the world continue to be identified with elevated blood lead levels because of environmental lead sources. Although any child in a leaded environment is at risk for lead exposure, children between 6months and 6 years of age are at greatest risk for lead ingestion due to developmentally appropriate hand-to-mouth activity. An elevated lead level during early childhood places a child at potential risk for long-term developmental disabilities such as learning problems, hyperactivity, and attention deficit disorder.
