Lead, an elemental problem

A new study from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control indicates that lead can be harmful to children even in low concentrations. Much of the lead absorbed by humans comes from environmental contamination: old pipes, residue for the era of leaded gasoline, old paint or paint chips.

We recently bogged how some researchers blame lead poisoning for some violent crime. Now the CDC says even low levels of lead in young children can cause loss of intelligence and other nervous problems. This study comes shortly after a series of recalls of Chinese-made toys coated with lead-containing paint.