Although the number of children in the U.S. exposed to lead has dropped significantly in the past decade, thousands of children are still exposed. Lead exposure is not equal among all children–national data suggest minority children, children living in families below the poverty level, and children living in older housing have significantly higher risk for elevated blood lead levels. No safe blood lead level in children has been identified.
The President’s Task Force on Environmental Health Risks and Safety Risks to Children has published its Progress Report on the Federal Lead Action Plan to Reduce Childhood Lead Exposures and Associated Health Impacts. The report provides a comprehensive update on efforts taken by the federal government and advancements made between December 2018 and April 2024 in reducing childhood lead exposures and associated health effects.
