[Lead poisoning in childhood: a silent epidemic in the slums of the United States (author's transl)].

While leadpoisoning has been with mankind since the dawn of civilization, only in recent years this disease was recognized as a serious public health problem. It has been estimated that more than half a million children are suffering from lead intoxication in the U.S.A. In most instances this disease is caused by eating lead containing peeling paint or plaster crumbs which are abundantly found in run-down neighborhoods of the slums. Children, often unsupervised, develop a craving for these toxic substances and their parents are usually unaware of the inherent dangers of such activities. Education of parents, early recognition and appropriate treatment of affected children and -- most important -- eradication of slum living supported by legislative action and governmental financial aid comprise the ingrediences to a rational approach to overcome the presenting dilemma in childhood lead poisoning.