Even low levels of lead exposure may worsen academic performance: Study
by Sharon Udasin for The Hill
Academic achievement among adolescents may be affected by early childhood lead exposure at much lower levels than previously assumed, according to a new study.
Just a small climb in blood concentrations of this toxic metal — still within the range currently deemed acceptable by public health agencies — was associated with worse performance on standardized tests, scientists found in the study, published Wednesday in Environmental Health.
“Children’s exposure to lead has long been recognized as harmful to their health and neurodevelopment,” wrote the University of Iowa research team.
“The present work provides further evidence to support that there are no safe levels of lead and that there is a need to continue to reduce or eliminate lead exposure,” the scientists warned.
In 1991, the Environmental Protection Agency first issued a rule requiring utilities to monitor their drinking water for lead — mandating action if concentrations surpass 15 parts per billion (ppb), or 1.5 microgram per deciliter (μg/dL). Last year, the agency reduced that safety threshold to 10 ppb, or 1 μg/dL.
The Safe Drinking Water Act allows maximum lead content in pipes that touch water to be a weighted average of 0.25 percent across their wetted surfaces.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has historically published health guidelines for blood lead levels, lowering it in 2021 from 5 μg/dL to 3.5 μg/dL.
Continue reading here.
Reading Kingdom is an online K-3 reading program that uses a new “phonics-plus” model to teach students to read and write at a 3rd grade level with comprehension. Sign up for a complimentary Reading Kingdom trial (or any of our other products) here.
We also have a program for students on the autism spectrum and others who face unique learning challenges called ASD Reading. Sign up for a complimentary trial of ASD Reading.
State & Charter school funding is available! Look for your program and begin using your education funds today!
Want to help a child in need learn to read? Try shopping at our Amazon affiliate store where a portion of every sale goes towards teaching kids the life-changing skill of reading.
