Lead is suspected to contribute to the progression of kidney disease. Lead content of blood and deciduous teeth was determined in 22 children aged 5–14 years at different stages of chronic renal failure (CRF). In addition, individual lead exposure was estimated from histories. The results were compared with a control group of 20 siblings or neighbours of patients living in the same environment (C1), and to a group of children known to be free of excessive lead exposure (C2). The mean blood lead concentration of patients was normal (mean 2.9 g/dl, range 1.1.–10.1). Mean dental lead content was 2.8, 1.7 and 1.4 g/g in CRF, C1 and C2, respectively. It always exceeded that of healthy peers. Increased dental lead content was associated with a high risk of exposure. It is suggested that both an increased lead uptake and renal dysfunction may contribute to the increased lead burden in children with CRF.