Lead and public health: the dangers for children

Lead is a serious and widespread poison in our environement and far too little has been done to protect public health. Lead causes serious damage to the mental development of young children at levels far below those recognised by the British government. Taking lead out of petrol dealt with only one relatively minor route through which we are exposed to lead. The most serious hazards arise from old leaded paint in our houses, schools, factories and offices, and in our drinking water from old lead pipes. This text offers a guide fo all those concerned about the damage that lead in pipes, paint and batteries can cause. It is an account of the medical implications and practical importance of this issue.