Even low levels of lead, which can find its way into the body from many sources, has devastating effects on the young and old alike. The most severe effects of lead toxicity include low IQ, memory loss, poor motor skills, and poor calcium utilization. When a young pre-school child becomes lead toxic, it could have catastrophic effects on his entire future.

Dr. Herbert Needleman of the University of Pittsburgh, author of a recent study published in the New England Journal of Medicine, puts it this way: "People who were exposed to low doses of lead as children still have measurable deficits as young adults, and the effects are not just expressed in psychometric testing, but in measures of real-life function like graduating from high school and learning disabilities."

The old problem of kids eating lead paint is still a big problem. Although leaded paint is banned there are still over 2 million homes with lead paint on the walls. Also, lead in drinking water and ceramic dishes can contribute to this toxic problem Lead can also be brought into the home on the shoes after walking outdoors.