[T1S1] Respondent provides background information on family: father, Joseph; mother, Sonia Shupak Needleman; 1 brother; gives wife's name: Roberta Pizer Needleman, 3 children, 1 from previous marriage. Respondent born in Philadelphia, PA; lists schools attended, graduated University of Pennsylvania school of medicine, 1952: pediatrics. Respondent explains being called in doctor's draft, 1957. Respondent discusses interest in lead poisoning: leading to research and treatment. Respondent notes testing children for lead poisoning, then observing behavioral changes in inner city children and how much of it was due to lead poisoning; pursued a second specialty: psychiatry. Respondent notes upon entering pediatrics, blood level of 60 micrograms per 100 cc was toxic level, past 25-30 years, toxic level dropped to 1/6. Respondent comments on research at Temple Community Mental Health Center (Philadelphia, PA) late 1960s; learned children at peak exposure 13-30 months; notes blood test primary way for diagnosing; lead stays in blood short time, washes out and enters other tissues such as bone. Respondent recounts invitation to Harvard University to study lead levels in inner city students in upper and lower percentiles of their class; found high level lead toxicity related to behavior as well as performance and IQ; developed questionnaire for teachers, helpful in research. Respondent names sources of high level lead including houses built before 1950-1960. Respondent mentions Bar Mitzvah; member Rodef Shalom Temple; discusses political activity: anti-Vietnam demonstrations, explains chairmanship of Committee of Responsibility: responsible for bringing burned Vietnamese children to U. S. and providing plastic surgery. Respondent reminisces about growing up in Philadelphia, friends acquired, recreation and awards received; notes interest in science and medicine at age 10; discusses activities with extended family, mother living, age 91. Respondent notes 2 sons physicians, daughter, lawyer.
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