A STUDY OF PICA IN RELATION TO LEAD POISONING

Abstract

During 1956 and 1957 all children under the care of the child health stations of the Department of Health in New York City, who manifested pica, were examined for symptoms and signs of lead poisoning. A blood specimen was taken and tested for lead content; if the concentration of lead was 0.06 mg/100 ml or higher, the child was referred to a doctor for diagnosis and treatment. Among 194 children with pica, there were 28 cases and 20 probable cases of lead poisoning. The follow-up of children with pica is a good case-finding method for lead poisoning.