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In findings that shed new light on understanding
how lead affects the developing brains of children, researchers believe
that when lead is introduced into the body in sufficient quantities
it displaces zinc and ultimately disrupts brain cell growth.
For proper brain development in children, the body
relies on the trace mineral zinc to help regulate genes that coordinate
brain cell growth.
Performing experiments in mice, researchers demonstrated
that lead indeed interferes with zinc, hindering the genes that regulate
the development of the brain.
Lead poisoning is estimated to affect nearly 1
million children in the US, according to the Centers for Disease Control
and Prevention (CDC). Lead levels have dropped since the 1970s when the
substance was banned for use in paint, gasoline and other sources, but
children can still develop lead poisoning after exposure to paint chips
in older homes, or drinking water from old plumbing that has been soldered
with lead.
Even low levels of lead are
harmful and are associated with
- decreased intelligence
- impaired neurobehavioral development
- decreased stature and growth
- impaired hearing acuity
Toxicology and Applied Pharmacology
July, 2000;166:1-12.
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