--Disease Characteristics-- Asymptomatic children with confirmed venous blood lead of at least 20 mcg/dL and less than 45 mcg/dL Children with blood lead of 45 mcg/dL or greater are not randomized in this study since they probably will receive succimer regardless of being enrolled in this study --Patient Characteristics-- Other: No contraindications to the use of succimer (i.e., allergy or a lack of lead safe environment in which to live during chelation)