Although the dangers of lead poisoning have been known for years, substantial numbers of children continue to suffer from blood lead above danger level of 10µg/dL. The problem is especially serious because lead poisoning is associated with higher rates of learning disabilities, hyperactivity, substance abuse and crime.

Newly published research at Dartmouth College has uncovered an unsuspected factor that increases vulnerability to environmental lead exposure. Analyzing a major survey of over 280,000 Massachusetts children, a team headed by Prof. Roger D. Masters has identified chemicals widely used in treating public water supplies [nofluoride.com Editor: WATER FLUORIDATION] that apparently increase children's absorption of lead.