New developments in pediatric lead poisoning.

In October 1991, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issued new lead guidelines, dramatically lowering the intervention level from 25 micrograms/dL of lead in blood to only 10 micrograms/dL and calling for universal screening. This review summarizes recent research findings on the effects of lead exposure on cognitive abilities and presents current information on sources of exposure to lead, methods of screening for lead poisoning, and options for treatment.