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Arch Pediatr Adolesc Med. 1998;152:512-513.

	Since this article does not have an abstract, we have provided the first 150 words of the full text and any section headings.

The article by Norman et al¹ contributes additional evidence that vinyl miniblinds are a potential source of lead exposure. Unfortunately, it does not answer the real question of how significant a risk these blinds pose to young children as a whole. Despite the almost ubiquitous presence of miniblinds in homes and day-care centers, the prevalence of elevated blood lead levels continues to decline nationally, and certain geographic areas continue to show almost no lead problem.^2-4 Miniblinds are thus unlikely to be a major contributor to blood lead elevation in most cases. However, the variable rates of lead dust formation on these blinds,⁵ coupled with the uncertain degree of compliance with recommendations to remove them from homes, leaves open the possibility of ongoing risk to children.

The authors' data showing 9% (8/92) of cases attributable to lead-containing vinyl miniblinds does not necessarily support the conclusion that these blinds represent an "important" . . . [Full Text of this Article]