What is Lead Poisoning

Lead is a substance that occurs naturally on the earth. It can be found in soil, air, and water. Lead is also used to make many commonly used products.

Lead is very poisonous (toxic) to humans. It can affect many areas of the body. Lead poisoning occurs when there is enough lead in a person’s body to be harmful to his or her health. Usually, lead slowly builds up in the body over time until it reaches a dangerous level. However, it is possible to get lead poisoning from a single exposure to a high amount of lead.

What are the causes?

This condition is usually caused by swallowing or breathing in lead. Lead may also be absorbed through the skin. A person can get lead poisoning from:

• Lead paint.
• Small particles of lead in the soil or air.
• Water that is contaminated with lead. Contamination comes from the soil or lead pipes.
• Working at a job where lead is used.
• Playing near a site where lead dust is stirred into the air.
• Having hobbies that involve the use of lead.
• Putting leaded objects in your mouth, such as fishing weights or buckshot.

What increases the risk?

The following groups of people are more likely to get lead poisoning:

• Children. Children are most at risk for lead poisoning because:
  • They are more likely to eat lead paint chips or put objects that contain lead into their mouths.
  • They absorb lead into their systems more quickly than adults.
  • Their bodies and brains are still developing, and are therefore more likely to suffer from the toxic effects of lead.
• Pregnant women and babies in the womb. Lead that builds up in the blood over many years is stored in the bones along with calcium. Pregnancy causes calcium to be released into the blood. Lead may also be released. The release of lead can be toxic to a pregnant woman and can also affect a developing baby.
• Adults who work in jobs where lead exposure is common. These include house remodeling or demolition, welding, bridge or water tower maintenance, ammunition manufacturing, and jobs that involve regular exposure to car batteries.
• Adults who have hobbies that involve using lead for soldering or glazing.

What are the signs or symptoms?

Symptoms of this condition depend on the amount of lead a person has been exposed to, how long a person has been exposed to lead, and the person’s age and medical condition. Some people may not show any symptoms, even after exposure to a high amount of lead.

Symptoms may include:

• Headache.
• Irritability.
• Feeling weak or tired.
• Pain in the abdomen.
• Loss of appetite.
• Constipation.
• Vomiting.
• Behavior or personality changes.
• Confusion.
• Seizures.

How is this diagnosed?

This condition is diagnosed with a blood test. The blood lead level (BLL) is used to:

• Monitor lead exposure.
• Diagnose lead poisoning.
• Determine a treatment plan.
• Monitor response to treatment.

How is this treated?

This condition may be treated by:

• Removing the sources of lead in the environment.
• Taking medicines that bind to the lead so that it can be removed through urine (chelation therapy).
• Managing symptoms that were caused by lead poisoning.

Follow these instructions at home:

• Have children tested for lead. Ask your health care provider when to do this test.
• Get tested for lead if you are in a high-risk job.
• Have your house checked for lead, especially if you live in a house or an apartment that was built before 1978.
• If your house may have lead pipes, run cold water for at least one minute before using your water. Only use cold water for eating and drinking.
• Always wash your hands before eating.
• Eat a healthy diet that contains adequate amounts of vitamins and minerals such as vitamin C, calcium, iron, and zinc. This may help to reduce lead absorption.
• Take over-the-counter and prescription medicines only as told by your health care provider.
• Keep all follow-up visits as told by your health care provider. This is important.

Where to find more information

• Environmental Protection Agency: http://www.epa.gov/lead  
• World Health Organization: http://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/lead-poisoning-and-health  
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: https://www.cdc.gov/nceh/lead/default.htm  

Contact a health care provider if:

• Your symptoms do not go away or get worse.

Summary

• Lead is a substance that occurs naturally on the earth. It can be found in soil, air, and water. However, it is very poisonous (toxic) to humans.
• Lead poisoning may be caused by swallowing or breathing in lead. The lead may have come from lead paint, water that has been contaminated by lead pipes, or small particles of lead in the soil or air.
• This condition is diagnosed with a blood test.
• Sometimes medicine is needed to treat the condition. It is also important to remove the source of lead from your environment.