Cwiertny Weighs in on Iowa Children's Lead Levels
In a recent study, it was found that over 70% of children in Iowa have detectable levels of lead in their blood, a health issue that could be correlated with sources of lead in older housing. David Cwiertny, director of the Environmental Policy Research Program, was quoted in a Des Moines Register article, emphasizing the need to focus on sources with lower levels of lead exposure, such as lead pipes affecting drinking water.
"I think there's a growing awareness that even at lower levels, there are still neuro-developmental issues," he said. "There's stronger evidence on the impact on IQ and development at these lower [lead] levels of blood."
While intervention protocol exists for children exhibiting 10 micrograms or more of lead per deciliter of blood, Cwiertny suggested that more needs to be done to help children with lower levels falling outside of the current scope for intervention.