By RICK CALLAHAN
Associated Press Writer
March 25, 2005, 1:58 PM EST
http://www.newsday.com/news/local/wire/newyork/ny-bc-ny—leadpoisoning-dus0325mar25,0,6502024.story
INDIANAPOLIS — Public health officials have made dramatic strides in
the past quarter-century reducing childhood lead-poisoning cases, but
thousands of inner-city children are still exposed each year to the
brain-damaging metal.
The reason, according to a new study, may be in the air.
Scientists have found evidence that lead-tainted urban soils kicked up
by summer winds fuel seasonal spikes in lead poisoning cases by filling
homes and playgrounds with airborne dust.
Health experts said the findings _ that inner-city kids are exposed to
windblown lead during their most active months of outdoor play _ could
help them find new ways to reduce lead poisoning, which can cause brain
damage, behavioral problems, slowed growth and hearing loss.
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