Nihon eiseigaku zasshi. Japanese journal of hygiene
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Nihon Eiseigaku Zasshi · Oct 1997
Review[Low-level lead exposure and children's intelligence from recent epidemiological studies in the U.S.A. and other countries to progress in reducing lead exposure and screening in the U.S.A].
From the 1980s many well-designed epidemiological studies have confirmed that low-level, subclinical lead exposure in early life is associated with decrements in children's intelligence. Neurodevelopmental deficits from exposure to a low level of lead have been held to be not only an American problem, but also a worldwide issue in the past decade. Good epidemiological studies were reported from England, Scotland, Germany, Greece, Australia and New Zealand. ⋯ In cases where these levels persist, there should be environmental investigation and intervention. All children with blood levels of 20 micrograms/dl or greater should receive environmental evaluation and medical examination. Such children may need pharmacological treatment.