Lead Poisoning
About Lead Poisoning | Effects of Lead | Dangers of Lead to Children | Lead in the Home | Testing for Lead Exposure | Additional Patient Materials
About Lead Poisoning
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), approximately 310,000 children in the United States between the ages of 1-5 have elevated blood lead levels.
Even children that seem healthy can have high levels of lead in their bodies. Children can get lead in their bodies by either ingesting lead dust, soil tainted with lead, or paint chips with lead in them. Fortunately, lead poisoning is a totally preventable disease. With some precautions, you may reduce your child's risk of lead poisoning.
What Are the Effects of Lead in the Body?
Lead poisoning can affect just about every system in the body yet often produces no definitive symptoms. The following are some of the most common symptoms of lead poisoning. However, each child may experience symptoms differently. Lead poisoning may cause:
- Damage to the brain and nervous system
- Behavior and learning problems
- Slowed growth
- Hearing problems
- Headaches
- Anemia
Lead is also harmful to adults, who may suffer from:
- Difficulties during pregnancy
- Reproductive problems in both men and women
- High blood pressure
- Digestive problems
- Nerve disorders
- Memory and concentration problems
- Muscle and joint pain
High levels of lead may also cause seizures, coma, and death. The symptoms of lead poisoning may resemble other conditions or medical problems. Always consult your child's physician for a diagnosis.
Return to Top
Why is Lead More Dangerous to Children than Adults?
- Children often put their hands and other objects in their mouths that can have lead-contaminated dust or paint chips on them.
- Their growing bodies absorb more lead
- Children's brains and nervous systems are more sensitive to the damaging effects of lead
Children under age 6 who live in low-income housing built before 1978 are especially at risk. Age 6 seems to be the standard by the CDC and the EPA, according to Drs. Spanier and Hornung.
Return to Top
What If I Think My House Has High Levels Of Lead?
If you think your home has high levels of lead:
- Have young children tested for lead, even if they seem healthy.
- Make sure your entire family washes their hands before eating and going to bed.
- Wash children's bottles, pacifiers, and toys often.
- Make sure children eat healthy foods with adequate iron and calcium. These minerals help decrease the absorption of lead.
- Have your home checked for lead hazards, including lead water faucets and dust .
- Clean floors, windowsills, and other surfaces with soapy water often.
- Wipe soil off shoes before entering house.
- Talk with your landlord about fixing surfaces with peeling or chipping paint.
- Take precautions to avoid exposure to lead dust when remodeling or renovating (call 1-800-424-LEAD for guidelines).
- Do not use a belt-sander, propane torch, dry scraper, or dry sandpaper on painted surfaces that may contain lead.
- Do not try to remove lead-based paint yourself. Have it professionally removed.
Return to Top
How can I test my child for lead exposure?
If you think your home has high levels of lead, get your children tested. A simple blood test can detect high levels of lead, and is important for:
- Children who are 6 months to 1 year old (6 months if you live in an older home that might have lead in the paint).
- Family members whom you think might have high levels of lead.
Your child's physician can test your child's blood levels. The tests are inexpensive or, in some cases, free. Your child's physician will explain the test results. Treatment can range from changes in your diet to medications or a hospital stay.
You can also contact the Cincinnati Drug and Poison Information Center for details about concerns you may have about lead poisoning. Call 513-636-5111 or toll free 1-800-222-1222.
Return to Top
Rev. 5/08
