Lead Poisoning of Children
* In response to “EPA’s Lead Warning Ad Called Heavy-Handed,” April 20:
Children across the country are being introduced to lead toxins in their own homes and many parents are unaware of the dangers. Children with even moderate levels of lead poisoning may suffer from minor symptoms such as stomach pain or headaches. But these mild, “more subtle effects” will mask the real problems lead causes, such as reading disabilities and “effects on IQ.”
Dr. Abraham Bergman’s point is correct: Geography is not a reliable factor in predicting high-risk areas of lead poisoning in children. That is precisely why it is absolutely necessary to introduce universal lead poisoning screenings around the country and to also encourage parents to be aware of the many circumstances that can contribute to lead poisoning. The cost of the program may be expensive initially, but the long-term gain is a safer environment for our nation’s children.
We, as citizens, can no longer ignore dangerous environmental threats due to the monetary costs that are attached. Lead poisoning is definitely an important health issue for all children and universal screenings will allow health officials to pinpoint highly contaminated areas around the country. EPA officials may not have expertise in medicine, but they do have an understanding of how to create a safe environment for America’s young children. Unfortunately, they have to pick up the slack left by physicians who feel that lead poisoning is not an important threat to our children.
DOMENIC THOMAS
Los Angeles
The writer is a USC intern for the Alliance to End Childhood Lead Poisoning.
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