J Child Psychol Psychiatry. 1988 Jan;29(1):43-52.

Blood lead, intelligence, reading attainment, and behaviour in eleven year old children in Dunedin, New Zealand.

Silva PA, Hughes P, Williams S, Faed JM.

Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, University of Otago Medical School, Dunedin, New Zealand.

A study of blood lead levels and intelligence, reading, and behaviour problems was carried out using a sample of 579 Dunedin 11-yr-old children. The results suggested that when account was taken of social, environmental, and background factors, raised blood lead is associated with a small but statistically significant increase in children's general behaviour problems as reported by both parents and teachers. These results applied especially to the more specific problems of inattention and hyperactivity.