Deleading Dilemma: Pitfall in the Management of Childhood Lead Poisoning

Deleading is a dangerous process which, if improperly done, can result in acute lead intoxication. The following case report illustrates what happened to an already-lead-poisoned child's lead level when he was not excluded from his apartment during deleading. Supportive evidence is provided from 12 additional cases recently seen by the same pediatric practice. The issues behind the failure of these families to vacate their apartments during deleading are discussed, and the need for lead-poisoning prevention programs to address these issues, particularly that of providing alternative shelter during deleading, is stressed. Society should adequately fund such programs so that they become a reality.