Health effects of lead

Health effects of lead

Childhood lead poisoning remains a major environmental health problem in the United States.

    * People can get lead in their body if they:
          o Put their hands or other objects covered with lead dust in their mouths.
          o Eat paint chips or soil that contains lead.
          o Breathe in lead dust, especially during renovations that disturb painted surfaces.

    * Lead is more dangerous to children because:
          o Babies and young children often put their hands and other objects in their mouths. These objects can have lead dust on

them.
          o Children's growing bodies absorb more lead.
          o Children's brains and nervous systems are more sensitive to the damaging effects of lead.

    * If not detected early, children with high levels of lead in their bodies can suffer from:
          o Damage to the brain and nervous system
          o Behavior and learning problems, such as hyperactivity
          o Slowed growth
          o Hearing problems
          o Headaches

    * Lead is also harmful to adults. Adults can suffer from:
          o Reproductive problems (in both men and women)
          o High blood pressure and hypertension
          o Nerve disorders
          o Memory and concentration problems
          o Muscle and joint pain
Source: EPA Website