Blood lead levels in Mississippi children.

Lead is toxic to the nervous system and has been shown to have deleterious effects on the developing nervous systems of children. Widespread exposure to lead has occurred in the past due to the use of lead as a gasoline additive and as a paint additive. Children are usually exposed to lead in the home. Prevention of exposure to lead through monitoring is the most effective way to reduce childhood toxicity. Lead levels were determined in 24,736 children in Mississippi. The percentage of 1-5-year-old children with blood lead levels >10 microg/dL in Mississippi is less than those seen nationally, and mean levels are comparable to national ones. In Mississippi, the age of housing is not a viable predictor of risk for elevated lead levels in children.