Lead poisoning is a top environmental health hazard for young children, affecting as many as 1.7 million children under the age of six. (Environmental Health Threats to Children, p. 3).

Children play in the soil where their hand-to-mouth activity results in exposure to lead with subsequent adverse developmental and behavioral effects. While much is known about the adverse effects of lead poisoning, research continues to discover new effects. (Lead Toxicological profile).