This publication is a guide to help social and health workers plan a preventive campaign against lead poisoning, a cause of mental retardation other neurological handicaps, and death among children. The main victims are 1- to 6-year-olds living in areas where deteriorating housing prevails. Among the causes of lead poisoning are: ingestion of lead-base paint, inhalation of fumes when leaded battery casings are burned for fuel, and ingestion of home-grown vegetables grown in soil containing leaded battery casings. Lead poisoning associated with pica, the craving for unnatural foods, is a chronic process requiring from 3 to 6 months of steady lead ingestion. Even though the early symptoms are nonspecific--anorexia, abdominal pain, constipation, vomiting, anemia--an increased awareness of the problem by physicians and other health workers can lead to early detection. The public is poorly informed and even parents of children once striken are unaware of the high rates of recurrence and of occurrence in siblings. Control and prevention involve professional and public education, legislation, research, and improved housing. (AJ)