This study investigated the perception of children and their parents about lead poisoning and its consequences. A total of 50 male and female children poisoned by lead, ages between 4 and 13 years, and their respective parents and legal guardians participated in the study. The participants answered structured interviews that asked about what lead is, how poisoning occurs and its effects on children's bodies, potential changes in the environment due to poisoning, and what adults believe would improve the development of poisoned children. The results indicate lack of understanding on several investigated aspects and that more knowledge is acquired as people get older. These findings can support the development of appropriate and effective public health policies directed to this population and the dissemination of correct information about the event and its consequences.
lead poisoning; children; parents
