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Lead Poisoning - Topic Overview

What is lead poisoning?

Lead poisoning occurs when you absorb too much lead by breathing or swallowing a substance with lead in it, such as food, dust, paint, or water. Too much lead in the body can cause irreversible problems in growth and development in children, including:

Behavior problems.
Hearing problems.
Learning problems.
Slowed growth.

In adults, lead poisoning can cause serious health problems, including high blood pressure and damage to the brain, nervous system, stomach, and kidneys.

Although it is not normal to have lead in your body, a small amount is present in most people. Lead can damage almost every organ system, with the most harm caused to the brain, nervous system, kidneys, and blood.

What causes lead poisoning?

Lead poisoning is usually caused by months or years of exposure to small amounts of lead at home, work, or day care. It can also happen very quickly with exposure to high concentrations. The most common source of lead exposure for children is lead-based paint and dust and soil that are contaminated by it, especially in older homes and buildings. Toys and jewelry made in other countries can sometimes contain high lead levels. For a list of recalled products, see the Consumer Product Safety Commission Web site at www.cpsc.gov.

Adults are most often exposed to lead in the workplace or while doing hobbies. Those who work with lead-such as metal smelters, welders, or pottery makers-are at a higher risk of lead poisoning.

Other sources of lead exposure include:

Contaminated air (including industrial emissions), water, and soil.
Certain hobbies, such as working with stained glass, building lead-based models, reloading ammunition, or shooting at indoor ranges.
Some alternative medicines and supplements, such as certain vitamins from India.
Eating food or juice stored in cans made with lead or glazed with lead-based glazes, which are not manufactured in the United States.

Most people are exposed to some amount of lead in their lifetime. Although environmental regulations have reduced lead exposure in the United States, it is still a significant health risk, especially for young children. It is estimated that lead poisoning affects about 310,000 children in the U.S.¹

What are the symptoms?

There may be no noticeable symptoms of lead poisoning because the effects are subtle or may mimic other conditions. When lead poisoning levels are severe, some general symptoms can include digestive problems, fatigue, and headaches.

Children with chronic lead poisoning may show slightly lower intelligence and may be smaller in size than children their age who do not have lead poisoning. Behavioral problems can include irritability or aggressiveness, hyperactivity, learning difficulties, lethargy, and loss of appetite.

In adults, behavioral symptoms can include irritability, mood and personality changes, changes in sleep patterns, difficulty concentrating, and memory loss.

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WebMD Medical Reference from Healthwise

Last Updated: June 21, 2010

This information is not intended to replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information.