Document OkKNdD9L40MOEq9JrL6nXE8e

Childhood Lead Poisoning Lead poisoning is epidemic in the ghettos of our cities. In its devastating path are children with mental retardation, blindness, chronic kid ney diseases, and other sequelae. The root of this tragedy is the deteriorating and dilapidated houses of our cities, particularly those occupied by the poor. It is a tragedy that should not exist and it is completely preventable. The American Public Health Association be lieves that, pending the availability of healthful housing, local and state health departments and other appropriate agencies, with adequate fund ing front Federal and other sources, should in stitute the following: JlCt&s jDa&idLv ff \i\j l HCm 1. Mandatory testing of all ghetto housing dor the presence of greater than one percent lead paint. 1 2. Where lead is detected, the paint should be removed or the walls covered with suitable material. 3. Appropriate mass urine testing for exces sive lead content of all ghetto children between the ages of one and five years. 4. Prompt treatment and comprehensive fol low-up of all detected cases.