Although some communities welcome environmental cleanup, others reject official advice about the hazards of living in a high-lead environment. Discusses a predictive model developed by the Environmental Protection Agency and its ability to provide new guidance. Examines mechanisms for human exposure to lead, in particular, the risk to children.…

Discusses ideas presented in the book "A Moment on the Earth: The Coming Age of Environmental Optimism," which takes the position that environmentalists and some environmental scientists are wrong for preaching despair when environmental problems are near solution. Presents three reviews of the book ranging in opinion. (LZ)