Lead Poisoning – Symptoms and Causes

ByJanis Updated

Overview

Lead poisoning happens when lead accumulates in the body over time. This toxic metal can cause serious health issues even in small amounts.

Children under 6 are particularly at risk, as lead can harm their mental and physical development. In severe cases, lead poisoning can be deadly.

Common sources of lead exposure include old lead-based paint and contaminated dust in older homes. Lead can also be found in contaminated soil, water, and air.

People working in certain industries face higher risks, including those in battery manufacturing, home renovation, and auto repair.

While treatment options exist for lead poisoning, prevention is most effective. Taking simple protective measures can safeguard your family from lead exposure before health problems develop.

Warning Signals

Child Lead Exposure Warning Signs

Children with lead poisoning may show these signs:

  • Learning problems and delays in development
  • Behavior changes like irritability
  • Appetite loss and weight reduction
  • Tiredness and lack of energy
  • Stomach pain
  • Throwing up
  • Trouble with bowel movements
  • Reduced hearing ability
  • Seizure activity
  • Eating non-food items (pica behavior) such as paint chips

These symptoms might not appear until lead has built up to dangerous levels in the body.

Newborn Lead Exposure Warning Signs

Babies exposed to lead before birth might experience:

  • Early delivery (premature birth)
  • Lower weight at birth
  • Slower physical growth

Adult Lead Exposure Warning Signs

Adults can also suffer from lead poisoning with these symptoms:

  • Elevated blood pressure
  • Pain in muscles and joints
  • Memory and focus problems
  • Headaches
  • Pain in the stomach area
  • Changes in mood
  • Reproductive issues in men (reduced sperm count and quality)
  • Pregnancy complications including miscarriage or early delivery

Lead poisoning can be hard to spot at first, as people with high lead levels may appear healthy.

How Lead Gets into Our Bodies

Paint with Lead

Lead paint was used in many homes and on furniture before 1978, when it was banned in the United States.

When old paint chips off or crumbles, it creates dust and small pieces that children might eat. This is the main way kids get lead poisoning.

Older homes still have this paint on walls and woodwork, making them risky places for young children.

Plumbing and Food Containers

Lead can get into drinking water through old pipes and fixtures. Lead pipes, brass faucets, and copper pipes joined with lead solder can all release tiny lead pieces into tap water.

Some countries still use lead solder in food cans, though this practice is banned in the U.S. These canned goods may enter the country through imports.

Other Lead Sources

Lead exists in many everyday items and places:

  • Soil: Areas near highways and old buildings often contain lead from past car emissions and peeling paint.
  • House dust: Contains lead from paint chips or soil tracked inside.
  • Clay products: Some pottery glazes have lead that can mix with food stored in them.
  • Children’s toys: Particularly those made in other countries, may contain lead.
  • Beauty products: Some traditional cosmetics, like Tiro from Nigeria, contain lead.
  • Folk medicines: Traditional remedies from various cultures may include lead.
  • Candy: Some Mexican candy, especially with tamarind, has been found to contain lead.
  • Ammunition: People who visit shooting ranges may breathe in lead dust.
  • Work exposure: Several jobs put people at risk, including:
    • Auto repair
    • Construction
    • Mining
    • Battery manufacturing
    • Painting
    • Pipe fitting

People in these jobs can also bring lead dust home on their clothes, exposing their families.

Risk Factors

Several factors can increase a person’s chance of lead poisoning:

Age Considerations

  • Infants and young children face higher risk because they often put things in their mouths
  • Children might chew on peeling paint chips
  • Young bodies absorb lead more easily than adult bodies
  • The health effects are more severe in developing bodies

Housing Factors

  • Living in homes built before the 1970s increases exposure risk
  • Old paint often contains high lead levels that can chip, peel, or create dust
  • Home renovation projects in older buildings can release lead particles
  • Families should test older homes for lead hazards

Activities and Hobbies

  • Some hobbies involve lead-containing materials:
    • Stained glass making
    • Certain types of jewelry crafting
    • Furniture refinishing
    • Handling lead solder

Geographic Considerations

  • Living in countries with fewer lead regulations increases risk
  • Children adopted from certain countries may need blood lead testing
  • Immigrant and refugee children should be screened for lead exposure

Pregnancy Concerns

Lead exposure is particularly dangerous during pregnancy as it can cross the placenta and harm the developing baby. Women who are pregnant or planning pregnancy should take extra precautions to avoid lead exposure.

Complications

Lead exposure, even at low levels, can harm the body over time. Children face the greatest risk as lead can cause permanent brain damage, affecting development and learning abilities.

Higher lead levels may harm both children and adults by damaging:

  • Kidneys
  • Nervous system
  • Brain function

In severe cases with very high lead levels, a person might experience:

  • Seizures
  • Loss of consciousness
  • Death

The damage from lead exposure often happens slowly and can be irreversible.

Ways to Prevent Lead Poisoning

There are several simple steps you can take to protect yourself and your family from lead exposure:

Daily Habits to Reduce Risk

  • Wash hands frequently, especially after outdoor play, before meals, and at bedtime
  • Clean toys regularly to remove dust and dirt
  • Use a wet mop for floors and damp cloths for furniture and windowsills
  • Take off shoes when entering your home

Water Safety

  • Run cold water for at least one minute before using it if you have older plumbing
  • Avoid using hot tap water for cooking or making baby formula

Outdoor Precautions

  • Provide a covered sandbox for children rather than letting them play in soil
  • Cover bare soil with grass or mulch to prevent direct contact

Diet and Nutrition

  • Maintain regular, healthy meals as good nutrition may reduce lead absorption
  • Ensure children get enough calcium, vitamin C, and iron in their diet

Home Maintenance

  • Check regularly for peeling paint in older homes
  • Fix paint problems promptly when found
  • Avoid sanding painted surfaces in older homes as this creates lead dust

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Health Writer

Janis's areas of expertise include nutrition, exercise, stress management, and mental health. She is passionate about educating and empowering people to take control of their health and make positive changes that can last a lifetime. Janis believes that small, sustainable changes are the key to long-term success, and she works with her clients to develop personalized plans that fit their individual needs and lifestyles.