Lead exposure in early childhood leads to lower IQ scores
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 15, 2014 16:12 PM

Many people might know of the physical symptoms of prolonged exposure to lead, but few realize the extent of its effects. Even low levels of lead in the body of a young person can lead to irreversible cognitive impairment and low scores on IQ tests. Parents of toddlers and young children should consider taking extra measures to prevent too much of the metal from entering their child's system.

Identifying the long-term effects of lead in the body
New evidence suggests that childhood lead exposure may have a persistent effect on mental faculties into adulthood. Researchers analyzed the effects exposure to lead at an early age has on adult IQ. They began by collecting data from the initial 1980 study that included almost 250 infants. The researchers checked the infants' blood lead levels at designated ages. They also took into account the child's demographic, socioeconomic situation, lifestyle and medical history.

Two decades later, the researchers followed up with 43 members of the study group, whose average age was 29 years old. During the follow-up assessment, the subjects used a standardized adult cognitive function test called the Wechsler Abbreviated Scale of Intelligence to gauge their cognitive capacities. The test provided a comprehensive IQ and also included verbal and performance intelligence quotients.

Analysis of results
Researchers determined that higher lead exposure during childhood puts people at risk of lower IQ as an adult. The average blood lead levels of the 43 subjects reached its peak (10 µg/dL) at 2 years old and declined steadily at 4 and 10 years of age. Several indicators revealed that for each 1 µg/dL average blood lead levels, adults experienced a deficit of about two IQ points. The researchers also discovered, through the verbal and performance IQs, an association between the late-childhood blood lead levels and adult cognitive functions.

Prevention
In order to give your child the best chance of reaching his or her full IQ potential, you need to take extra precautions against inadvertent lead exposure. Lead is one of the most toxic metals found in many consumer products. Electronics, toys, jewelry and ceramics have the potential to contain trace amounts of lead. The metal travels from the industrial processors of manufacturing plants as well as large garbage incinerators within certain facilities. Evidence from this research shows that child blood lead levels peak at 2 years of age. Even though those levels steadily decline, parents should remain vigilant of potential exposure at pre-kindergarten and elementary schools.