ANN ARBOR (WKZO) -- Lead exposure in early childhood is linked to lower Michigan Education Assessment Program scores for students in several grades in Detroit Public Schools.

The University of Michigan School of Public Health released the findings Tuesday.  High blood lead levels before the age of six were linked to lower math, science, and reading scores on MEAP tests.

Researchers also say that scores were lower for children exposed to lead at levels that fall below the federal threshold.  Additionally, researchers found that the higher the blood lead levels, the lower the academic scores.  The findings will be published in the March issue of the "American Journal of Public Health."