[Lead and child health]

Effects of lead toxicity in children are reviewed. Several epidemiological studies performed in Spain are also depicted, with special attention to the city of Cartagena where a mean of 8.05 +/- 4.2 mcg/dl is obtained. The fact that the small increment observed in children living in polluted area may be due more to socioeconomic level (related to indoor pollution) than to outdoor pollution is stressed.

[Air pollution and respiratory disease in children. Experience in Cartagena]

Studies on air pollution (SO2) and their influence on respiratory diseases in children conducted in Cartagena are reviewed and compared with those from other spanish cities. In Cartagena we find a weak relation between SO2 levels and number of children admitted to hospital for asthma attack. Indoor pollution is stressed, specially smoking of mother.