Lead Exposure in Childhood Decreases IQ

We often talk about heavy metals and their effects on various symptoms and disease processes.  The Environmental Health Perspectives organization has recently put out a study that indicates that lead exposure in childhood leads to a significant decline in IQ scoring in children.  You can read the .pdf of the study here.   Key take home notes to bring to your doctor if you are concerned about your child's development and blood lead testing are the following:

• This study indicates that the CDC's maximum safe blood lead levels may not be safe after all.  The CDC has deemed <10 micrograms/dl to be safe blood lead levels and many doctors believe this.  This study indicates that levels as low as 2 micrograms/dl will affect IQ scores, particularly in performance IQ. 
• The earlier the exposure to lead the greater the effect on IQ scores.
• Blood lead levels between 5 and 9.9 micrograms/dl has the most significant impact on IQ scores

I know that many parents and doctors trust in blood lead testing and that the CDC "normal" range for safe lead exposure are reasonable.  This study indicates that parents should understand that "normal" lead levels does not mean that your child's IQ is not affected by lead. 

Just a reminder that blood lead levels are not the best way to test total body load of lead exposure.  A chelated urine challenge, where a heavy metal binding agent (like DMSA or DMPS) is administered to the patient who is taking the heavy metal test and the urine is collected to assess levels of heavy metals.  Testing in this way will help your doctor better understand your child's heavy metal load.  Make sure that your doctor knows that there are false negatives on this test as well because mineral status (zinc and copper) and pH balance will affect how many children or adults can release stored heavy metals for excretion in this test.  Also some patients respond better to DMSA or DMPS or vice versa. 

If you are concerned about your child's development and IQ, lead and other heavy metals should be a part of a good neurological work-up.

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