Lead Is Still Around!!!
Contents of this Article
Lead Effects the Body in Many Ways
Lead is poisonous because it interferes with some of the body's basic functions. A human body cannot tell the difference between lead and calcium. Calcium is a mineral that strengthens bones. Like calcium, lead remains in the bloodstream for a few weeks. Then it is absorbed into the bones, where it can collect for a lifetime. Calcium deficiency especially increases lead absorption, as does iron deficiency, which can also increase lead damage to blood cells. A high-fat diet increases lead absorption, and so does an empty stomach.
Lead poisoning is not easy to detect. Sometimes there are no symptoms, and sometimes the symptoms are the same as those of more common illnesses, such as a cold or the flu.
A simple blood test can detect high levels of lead. Your doctor can explain what the test results mean and if more testing is needed. Some states and localities require the parents of children with high levels of lead in their blood to have the lead hazards abated (permanent lead hazard elimination) by a certified contractor.
Some of the early signs and symptoms of lead poisoning in children are:
- Excessive tiredness or lethargy, or hyperactivity
- Behavioral problems or irritability
- Loss of appetite
- Constipation
- Headaches
- Muscle and joint weakness or pain
- Reduced attention span or difficulty concentrating
- Metallic taste in the mouth
- Abdominal pain, nausea or vomiting
- Weight loss
- Difficulty sleeping
It is important to know that even exposure to low levels of lead can severely harm children. Childhood lead poisoning remains a major environmental health problem in the United States, approximately 900,000 children ages 1 to 5 have a blood-lead level exceeding the level of concern.
In children, low levels of lead exposure can cause:
- Damage to the brain, nervous system and kidney damage.
- Learning disabilities, attention deficit disorder, and decreased intelligence.
- Speech, language, and behavior problems.
- Poor muscle coordination.
- Decreased muscle and bone growth.
- Hearing damage.
- Headaches
While low-lead exposure is most common, exposure to high levels of lead can have devastating effects on children, including seizures, unconsciousness, and in some cases, death.
Although children are especially susceptible to lead exposure, lead can be dangerous for adults too.
In adults, high levels of lead exposure can cause:
- Increased chance of illness during pregnancy.
- Harm to a fetus, including brain damage or death.
- Fertility problems, in men and women.
- High blood pressure and hypertension.
- Digestive problems.
- Nerve disorders.
- Memory and concentration problems.
- Muscle and joint pain.
If you think your home has high levels of lead, call the numbers below to help you prevent lead poisoning and eliminate the problem forever.
For More Information
There are state and federal programs in place to ensure that testing for lead is done safely, reliably, and effectively. Contact your state or local agency, or for more information on lead poisoning, or for other information on lead hazards call:
National Lead Information Center to speak with a lead information specialist.
1-800-424-LEAD (5323).
EPA's Safe Drinking Water Hotline for information on lead hazards in your drinking water.
1-800-426-4791
Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) Hotline for information on lead in consumer products, or to report an unsafe consumer product or a product-related injury.
1-800-638-2772
For information on lead regulations, outreach efforts, and lead hazard control and research grant programs contact:
United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)
Office of Healthy Homes and Lead Hazard Control
451 Seventh Street, SW, P-3206
Washington, DC 20410
202-755-1785
Hearing Impaired call the Federal Information Relay Service
1-800-877-8339.
The information provided in this summary is based upon scientific and technical understanding of the issues presented and is reflective of the jurisdictional boundaries established by the statutes governing the co-authoring agencies. Following the advice given will not necessarily provide complete protection in all situations or against all health hazards that can be caused by lead exposure.
U.S. EPA Washington DC 20460
U.S. CPSC Washington DC 20207
U.S. HUD Washington DC 20410
EPA747-K99-001
June 2003
References:
1) ATSDR (Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry) - Department of Health and Human Services - January 2008 - www.atsdr.cdc.gov
2) EPA - United States Environmental Protection Agency - June 2003 - www.epa.gov
3) United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) - FDA Consumer - January - February 1998 - www.cfsan.fda.gov
4) National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS) - National Institutes of Health - Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) - Jan 2008 - www.niehs.nih.gov
This summary is a general overview about the topic discussed and does not include all the facts, or include everything there is to know about any medicine and/or products mentioned. Do not use any medicine and/or products without first talking to your doctor. Possible side effects of medications, other than those listed, may occur. Full Disclaimer & General Safety Advisory