Blood-Lead Levels and Children's Behaviour-Results from the Edinburgh Lead Study

The effect of blood‐lead on children's behaviour was investigated in a sub‐sample of 501 boys and girls aged 6–9 years from 18 primary schools within a defined area of central Edinburgh. Behaviour ratings of the children were made by teachers and parents using the Rutter behaviour scales. An extensive home interview with a parent was also carried out, Multiple regression analyses showed a significant relationship between log blood‐lead and teachers’ ratings on the total Rutter score and the aggressive/anti‐social and hyperactive sub‐scores, but not the neurotic sub‐score when 30 possible confounding variables were taken into account. There was a dose‐response relationship between blood‐lead and behaviour ratings, with no evidence of a threshold.