Commentary: The Lead Poisoning Epidemic

It is more dangerous than some forms of cancer — yet it is virtually ignored by the American public. It has seriously afflicted a much higher segment of the population than some diseases that were called “epidemics” — yet it has received little public attention. What we have here is a public failure, a failure to recognize that this disease — lead poisoning — is a serious threat to our health. It has already permanently damaged tens of thousands of babies, children and adults in this nation. And the list of victims is still growing