Origins & Early Life

Herbert Leroy Needleman (December 13, 1927 – July 18, 2017) was an American physician who researched the neurodevelopmental damage caused by lead poisoning. He was a pediatrician, child psychiatrist, researcher and professor at the University of Pittsburgh, an elected member of the Institute of Medicine, and the founder of the Alliance to End Childhood Lead Poisoning, which was later known as the Alliance for Healthy Homes and since merged with the National Center for Healthy Housing. Needleman played a role in securing some of the most significant environmental health protections of the 20th century, resulting in a fivefold reduction in the prevalence of lead poisoning among children in the United States by the early 1990s. Despite strong resistance from lead-related industries, which made him the target of frequent attacks, Needleman persisted in campaigning to educate stakeholders, including parents and government panels, about the dangers of lead poisoning.

Pivotal Works & Achievements

Needleman has been credited with having played a key role in triggering environmental safety measures that reduced average blood lead levels by an estimated 78 percent between 1976 and 1991. He died in Pittsburgh in 2017. His...

Enduring Legacy & Impact

The historical impact and works continue to influence the modern world.

Contemporary Figures & Related Historical Timelines

• Abdul Basit 'Abd us-Samad — Contemporary (Born in 1927) (1927): Renowned Egyptian Quran reciter, celebrated for his melodious and deeply engaging vocal style.
• Al Martino — Contemporary (Born in 1927) (1927): Iconic Italian-American crooner, celebrated for standards and his role in The Godfather.
• Albert Uderzo — Contemporary (Born in 1927) (1927): Pioneering French comic artist, co-creator of the iconic Astérix series.
• Adnan Khashoggi — Contemporary (Died in 2017) (2017): Saudi businessman and arms dealer, known as 'The Great Gatsby of the Middle East'
• Alexei Abrikosov (physicist) — Contemporary (Died in 2017) (2017): Pioneering theoretical physicist known for low-temperature condensed matter physics.
• Ali Abdullah Saleh — Contemporary (Died in 2017) (2017): Yemeni military officer and politician who served as President of Yemen from 1990 to 2012.
• Alexander Selkirk — Shared historical date (12-13 · Died) (1721): Scottish privateer and castaway whose survival inspired literary giants like Crusoe.
• Archie Moore — Shared historical date (12-13 · Born) (1913): Legendary American boxer, known for his longevity and strategic defense.
• Antoine Watteau — Shared historical date (07-18 · Died) (1721): Pioneering Rococo master, credited with inventing the genre of fêtes galantes.
• Axel Paulsen — Shared historical date (07-18 · Born) (1855): Pioneering Norwegian figure and speed skater, inventor of the Axel jump.
• 1927 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 1927
• December 13 (12-13) On This Day — Historical birthdays and events on December 13
• 2017 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 2017
• July 18 (07-18) On This Day — Historical events and memorials on July 18