Hazard of lead exposure in the home from recycled automobile storage batteries
Dolcourt, J.L.; Finch, C.; Coleman, G.D.; Klimas, A.J.; Milar, C.R.
Pediatrics 68(2): 225-230
1981
ISSN/ISBN: 0031-4005 PMID: 7267229 Document Number: 171736
Two families from rural areas of North Carolina had excessive lead exposure which resulted from either recycling exhausted automobile storage batteries in the home or burning the discarded battery casings for home heating. One child developed encephalopathy resulting in permanent brain damage. Decontamination efforts reduced the quantity of lead in the home environment by greater than 50%. Rural children, previously considered to be at low risk, may in fact receive profound exposures which may go unrecognized until encephalopathy occurs. Occupational histories should be obtained from parents in order to detect children at risk from environmental toxins brought into the home on workmen's bodies and clothing.