State activities for prevention of lead poisoning among children--United States, 1992.

In 1990, an estimated 3 million children aged < 6 years had blood lead levels (BLLs) > 10 micrograms/dL--levels associated with decreased intellectual performance and other adverse health events. During October 1991, CDC revised its childhood lead poisoning prevention policy statement; the recommendations included lowering the BLL of concern from 25 micrograms/dL to 10 micrograms/dL. To characterize efforts of state health agencies in lead-poisoning prevention and to assess the extent of implementation of the recommendations in the 1991 lead statement, in June 1992, the Lead Task Force of the Association of State and Territorial Health Officials (ASTHO) conducted a questionnaire survey of directors of public health in each of the 50 states. This report summarizes findings of the survey regarding screening issues, funding mechanisms, and follow-up of children with elevated BLLs.