By Jeff Stier, Esq.
Posted: Thursday, June 17, 1999

LETTER
Publication Date: June 17, 1999

To the editor:

David M. Herszenhorn's June 15 article, "Bid to Alter Lead Paint Law Splits Speaker and Council," relies on the claim that "as many as 30,000 city children suffer lead poisoning." In fact, this alarmist assertion, originally employed by New York City Public Advocate Mark Green, incorrectly refers to slightly elevated blood lead levels (BLLs) as "lead poisoning." Many of the children cited have BLLs of 10 micrograms per deciliter-- a level that, according to the Center for Disease Control, does not require medical attention. Lead poisoning is a term reserved for the extremely rare and toxic condition associated with BLLs upwards of 40 micrograms per deciliter.

Mr. Green's misinterpreted statistics cause mass confusion and unwarranted fear. Hyping lead paranoia only deters responsible educational efforts and sensible policy initiatives. By promoting sound, lead-safe laws, elected officials should work not to alarm, but to protects their constituencies.