Low lead levels linked to ADD

Very low levels of lead in the blood, levels previously believed to be safe, could be contributing to attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, according to a new Michigan State University study of 150 children in the Lansing area. The study examined children with and without attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, ADHD, and found that all 150 children had at least some lead in their blood. None had levels higher than the 10 micrograms per deciliter (mcg/dl) level currently considered unsafe by the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Children with ADHD had higher levels of lead in the blood than those without the disorder, according to the study, which was conducted with help from the Michigan Department of Community Health. The research findings support a growing body of national evidence indicating there is no safe level of lead in the blood, said study director Joel Nigg, MSU professor of psychology. Nigg said the findings demonstrate the need for tougher regulations on items that contain lead and other harmful elements that can get into the food supply or local environment of children -- from cosmetics to cleaning supplies to electronic goods. Millions of Chinese-made toys have been recalled in the past year due to lead paint. The study is funded by the National Institute of Mental Health and the MSU Office of the Vice President for Research and Graduate Studies. The findings will appear in the Feb. 15 issue of Biological Psychiatry and are currently in the journal's online edition. Lead poisoning is a top environmental health hazard for young children, affecting as many as 1.7 million children age five and under, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Even at low levels, lead poisoning in children can cause IQ deficiencies, reading and learning disabilities, impaired hearing, reduced attention spans and other behavior problems. Pregnant women poisoned by lead can transfer lead to a developing fetus, resulting in adverse developmental effects. The only way to know if your child is being lead poisoned is to get a blood test, the EPA advises, saying, "If your child is at risk, have a blood test done as early as six months. The intellectual and behavioral damage done to children can be prevented, but, once done, cannot be reversed."