Lead poisoning and us

Lead poisoning is caused by exposure to high levels of lead. Lead is most commonly found in houses built before 1978. Symptoms of lead poisoning include headaches, cramps and hyperactivity. Lead poisoning can be diagnosed through a blood lead test. Treatment includes finding and removing the source of the lead to prevent further exposure.

Lead can be found in all parts of our environment—the air, the soil, the water and even inside our homes. Much of our exposure comes from human activities, including the use of fossil fuels like past use of leaded gasoline, some types of industrial facilities and past use of lead-based paint in homes. We should wash fruits and vegetables before eating to clean off any lead dust that may have settled on the food and remove the outer leaves of leafy green vegetables. Lead poisoning happens when your child is affected by high levels of lead exposure. It is usually caused by eating or drinking (ingesting) lead, but touching or breathing in the toxic metal can also cause it. The detectable amount of lead is found in your child's blood.

Lead-based paint and lead-contaminated dust are the most common sources of lead poisoning. Paint containing lead was not banned in the United States until 1978. Homes built before 1978 have a good chance of having lead-based paint, which can chip, peel or flake.

Lead poisoning, also known as plumbism and saturnism, is a type of metal poisoning caused by lead in the body.

There is no antidote for lead. Treatment of lead poisoning consists of removal from the source of exposure. Chelation therapy should be considered for treatment of severe symptoms or markedly elevated blood lead levels.

Some effects

Lead exposure can cause high blood pressure and brain, kidney and reproductive health issues in adults. Symptoms of lead poisoning include headaches, stomach cramps, constipation, muscle/joint pain, trouble sleeping, fatigue, irritability and loss of sex drive. Certain candy ingredients such as chili powder and tamarind may be a source of lead exposure. Lead can get into the candy when drying, storing and grinding the ingredients is done improperly. Ink from plastic or paper candy wrappers may also contain lead that leaches or seeps into the imported candy. It damages the brain and nervous system and slows growth and development. It also affects learning and behavior problems as well as hearing and speech problems.

Lead is soft and malleable, and also has a relatively low melting point. When freshly cut, lead is a shiny gray with a hint of blue. It tarnishes to a dull gray color when exposed to air.

Management and treatment

Is lead poisoning curable?

The effects of lead poisoning aren’t reversible. But you can reduce blood lead levels and prevent further exposure by finding and removing the sources of lead from your child’s home or environment.

If your child’s blood lead levels are very high, your child’s healthcare provider may treat them with a medication called a chelating agent. This medicine binds the lead in your child’s blood and makes it easier for their body to get rid of it.

Your child’s healthcare provider may also recommend whole-bowel irrigation. With this procedure, your child’s healthcare provider gives your child a special solution called polyethylene glycol by mouth or through a stomach tube to wash out the contents of your child’s stomach and intestines. Bowel irrigation is aimed at preventing further lead absorption if there are lead paint chips identified on an X-ray of your child’s belly. 

Prevention

Ways to reduce your child’s risk of lead poisoning

Lead poisoning is preventable. Talk to your child’s healthcare provider about ways you can prevent lead poisoning. Some ways you can help prevent lead poisoning include:

• Make sure your child eats healthy foods that are high in iron, calcium and vitamin C, which help protect against lead poisoning
• If you live in a house or apartment built before 1978, talk to your state or local health department about having your home’s paint and dust tested for lead
• If you rent your home, talk to your landlord about peeling and flaking paint. Call the health department if the paint isn’t safely repaired
• Wash your child’s hands, bottles, pacifiers and toys frequently
• Always wash your hands before eating
• Always wipe your feet before entering the house, and leave your shoes at the door
• Wipe floors and other surfaces with a damp mop or cloth regularly
• If you have lead pipes, stagnant water or hot water can leach lead into your tap water. Let your faucet run cold water for one minute before using it for drinking, cooking or making baby formula
• Don’t try to remove lead-based paint yourself
• Avoid any home remedies that contain lead

Key facts

• Exposure to lead can affect multiple body systems and is particularly harmful to young children and women of child-bearing age
• Lead in the body is distributed to the brain, liver, kidney and bones. It is stored in the teeth and bones, where it can accumulate over time. Human exposure is usually assessed through the measurement of lead in blood
• Lead in bone is released into blood during pregnancy and becomes a source of exposure to the developing fetus
• There is no level of exposure to lead that is known to be without harmful effects
• Lead exposure is preventable