Ripple effects of childhood lead poisoning

In addition to causing health and behavioral problems in children, lead poisoning may result in serious costs to both a child's future and to society.

In the news

To Help Children Learn, Get the Lead Out: Thursday, May 16, 2013; “Sometimes we fail to look for causes in conspicuous places. As we seek out reasons why our children are having trouble learning in school, tens of thousands of our kids’ futures are being cut down because, in their younger years, … Continue reading →
Lead Exposure Associated with Low Reading Readiness in Kindergarteners: Thursday, May 16, 2013; The American Academy of Pediatrics published a new study on May 13, 2013, with data demonstrating that kindergarten-aged reading readiness is negatively impacted by lead exposure. The study found that even children whose blood lead levels were well below 10mg/dL … Continue reading →
Chicago City Council Passes Lead-Safe Renovation Ordinance: Thursday, May 16, 2013; On May 8, the Chicago City Council passed an ordinance that will require contractors applying for permits to certify they will comply with federal lead-safe training requirements and work practices when conducting work that may disturb lead-based paint in pre-1978 … Continue reading →
ACTION ALERT from the National Center for Healthy Housing: Monday, April 22, 2013; Senator Jack Reed is circulating the letter below requesting that Senate Appropriations Committees of the Subcommittees on Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies (THUD) and Labor, HHS, Education, and Related Agencies (LHHSE) provide $120 million (level funding) to … Continue reading →
CDC Releases Latest Blood Lead Data, Confirming that 535,000 Children Have High Levels and Disparities Persist: Monday, April 22, 2013; Recent CDC data shows progress in reducing blood lead levels (BLLs) among children; however, the numbers remain too high and the differences between the average BLLs of different racial/ethnic and income groups persist. The Center for Disease Control’s (CDC) April … Continue reading →
Linking Lead Poisoning and Criminal Behavior: Tuesday, January 08, 2013; New research finds lead is the hidden villain behind violent crime, lower IQs, and even the ADHD epidemic. And fixing the problem is a lot cheaper than doing nothing. Read more in Mother Jones’ January/February 2013 issue.
Link Between Lead Poisoning and Underperforming Students in Chicago: Tuesday, January 08, 2013; Chicago Public School students, even those with low levels of lead in their bodies, may experience worsening academic achievement in third grade and significantly higher failure rates on third grade math and reading tests than other third graders, according to … Continue reading →

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About Lead Safe Illinois

Lead Safe Illinois is a campaign to eliminate lead poisoning in Illinois. Our efforts include raising awareness and advocating for legislation and policy reform to prevent childhood lead poisoning.

Lead Safe Illinois is convened by the
Loyola Civitas ChildLaw Center's Policy Institute.

More about us