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Discusses the mounting evidence for the neurological damage of childhood lead poisoning. Argues that ignoring lead poisoning is more expensive than preventing it. Reviews a recent plan to eradicate lead poisoning and the sociological factors that may impede its implementation. (CJS)

Background: Animal studies suggest that early-life lead exposure influences gene expression and production of proteins associated with Alzheimerfs disease (AD). Objectives: We attempted to assess the relationship between early-life lead exposure and potential biomarkers for AD among young men and women. We also attempted to assess whether early-life lead exposure was associated with changes in expression of AD-related genes. Methods: We used sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA) to measure plasma concentrations of amyloid β proteins Aβ40 and Aβ42 among 55 adults who had participated as newborns and young children in a prospective cohort study of the effects of lead exposure on development. We used RNA microarray techniques to analyze gene expression. Results: Mean plasma Aβ42 concentrations were lower among 13 participants with high umbilical cord blood lead concentrations (≥ 10 µg/dL) than in 42 participants with lower cord blood lead concentrations (p = 0.08). Among 10 participants with high prenatal lead exposure, we found evidence of an inverse relationship between umbilical cord lead concentration and expression of ADAM metallopeptidase domain 9 (ADAM9), reticulon 4 (RTN4), and low-density lipoprotein receptor-related protein associated protein 1 (LRPAP1) genes, whose products are believed to affect Aβ production and deposition. Gene network analysis suggested enrichment in gene sets involved in nerve growth and general cell development. Conclusions: Data from our exploratory study suggest that prenatal lead exposure may influence Aβ-related biological pathways that have been implicated in AD onset. Gene network analysis identified further candidates to study the mechanisms of developmental lead neurotoxicity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Studies the effects of low-level lead exposure on the intelligence of children using a multiple regression analysis. Neurotoxic properties of lead; Methodological difficulties encountered in conducting the lead exposure studies; Type of tissue analyzed for lead exposure; Use of Weschler Intelligence Scale for Children in measuring the intelligence quotient.

Discusses the respiratory hazards faced by children due to ambient air pollution. List of the respiratory effects of ozone, an ambient air pollutant; Relationship between outdoor air pollution and adverse respiratory effects in children; Factor that increases children's vulnerability to airborne pollution; Recommendations to pediatricians.

Discusses the health hazards of children's exposure to radon, a radioactive material, in the United States. Background on the toxicity of radon gas; Nature and sources of radon; Synergistic effect between radon and cigarette smoking in the development of lung cancer.