The magnitude of childhood lead poisoning has been inexplicably neglected by modern medicine and by legislators. However, since the 1970s, increased attention has been focused on lead poisoning, and advances have been made in several areas, including understanding of the neurodevelopmental and behavioral ramifications of lead poisoning, and recognition of the consequences of low-level lead exposure. This book--for physicians, teachers, social workers and nurses working with lead-exposed children--presents what is known about lead poisoning in childhood and offers critical insights into the challenges that remain in understanding lead poisoning effects and abolishing it as a major health problem. Articles in the book examine the causes and consequences of childhood lead poisoning, offer prevention strategies that are cost effective and easy to implement, and explore how crucial legislation can and should protect children. The articles are: (1) "Lead Poisoning: A Historical Perspective" (Pueschel, Linakis, and Anderson); (2) "Epidemiology of Childhood Lead Poisoning" (Berney); (3) "Etiology of Childhood Lead Poisoning" (Shannon); (4) "Screening for Lead Poisoning" (Linakis, Anderson, and Pueschel); (5) "Pathophysiology of Lead Poisoning" (Anderson, Pueschel, and Linakis); (6) "Learning and Behavioral Sequelae of Lead Poisoning" (Bellinger); (7) "Low-Level Lead Exposure during Pregnancy and Its Consequences for Fetal and Child Development" (Dietrich); (8) "Medical Management" (Chisolm); (9) "Environmental Abatement (Linakis, Anderson, and Pueschel); (10) "Lead-Based Paint Legislation" (Pollack and Sole); (11) "Prevention of Childhood Lead Poisoning" (Schlenker); and (12) "Economic Issues of Childhood Lead Poisoning" (Glotzer). Each article contains references. (HTH)