The Peeling House Paint Hazard to Children

Abstract

THE occurrence of lead poisoning among small children living in poorly maintained homes in some centers of population in parts of the United States has been well established {1-4). Studies on urinary lead levels in the absence of symptoms of lead poisoning have been mentioned less frequently in the literature. This study was undertaken to determine whether or not abnormally high urinary lead levels might be found among Minneapolis children even in the absence of lead poisoning symptoms. While no deaths from lead poisoning among small children have been reported to the Min¬ neapolis Health Department for several years, and no diagnosed cases have been referred to the health department for followup, it was felt that there was enough uncertainty to warrant a study of urinary lead levels among small children attending well-child clinics. Screening in Clinics The children chosen for the study were those attending the well-child clinic at the Minne¬ apolis Public Health Center, which is operated four times per week, with an average caseload of 17 per session. The clinic was chosen chiefly because the participating children come from all parts of the city rather than from any one The authors are all with the Minneapolis Health Department, where Dr. Hartman is director of the bureau of maternal and child health, Dr. Park, chief of the occupational health service, and Mr. Nelson, public health chemist. area. This clinic has an additional advantage in that it is in the same building as the city public health laboratory. Financial eligibility standards restrict the families attending to