Lead Poisoning: Its Symptoms and Treatment

When Does Lead Poisoning Occur and What Are the Symptoms?

Lead poisoning occurs when lead builds up in the body, often over a period of months or years. Even small amounts of lead can cause serious health problems. Children under the age of 6 are especially vulnerable to lead poisoning, which can severely affect mental and physical development. At very high levels, lead poisoning can be fatal.

Lead-based paint and lead-contaminated dust in older buildings are the most common sources of lead poisoning in children. Other sources of lead poisoning include contaminated air, water, soil, and some toys and cosmetics.

The signs and symptoms of lead poisoning in children may include:

• Irritability
• Loss of appetite
• Weight loss
• Sluggishness and fatigue
• Abdominal pain
• Vomiting
• Constipation
• Unusual paleness from anemia
• Learning difficulties

Lead Exposure symptoms in newborns

Babies in the womb who are exposed to lead through their mothers may have:

• Learning difficulties
• Slowed growth

In some cases, these problems may persist beyond childhood.

Lead Exposure symptoms in adults

Although children are primarily at risk, lead poisoning is also dangerous for adults. Even exposure to amounts of lead too low to cause symptoms in the short term may increase the risk of high blood pressure and mental decline in the future.

Symptoms in adults may include:

• Pain, numbness or tingling of the extremities
• Muscular weakness
• Headache
• Abdominal pain
• Memory loss
• Mood disorders
• Reduced sperm count, abnormal sperm
• Miscarriage or premature birth in pregnant women
• Fatigue

Treatment Options for Lead Poisoning:

Treatment for lead poisoning is based on a combination of factors including nutrition and removal of the source of contaimination.  In most instances, these measures will be sufficient to reduce lead levels in the body.

• Removal of lead paint dust and lead chips should be performed by an EPA certified lead abatement professional.  Special lead containment procedures are required during repair and renovation as well as prescribed clean-up procedures to prevent further contamination of the site.
• Nutrional support includes adequate amounts of vitamins and minerals such as calcium, iron, and vitamin C. Studies find that those who eat nutritious diets rich in vitamins and minerals are less likely to absorb lead.
• If removing the source of lead and improved nutrition do not reduce blood lead levels, or in instances where the blood lead  level is initially very high, chelation therapy may be required.  Through chelation therapy, agents that cause metals like lead to bind to them are introduced to the system.  As heavy metals like lead bind to the agents they are eliminated from the body through urine. Since chelating agents increase the absorption of metals including lead, it is essential that prior to treatment all sources of lead exposure be removed.
• If blood levels for lead do not lower with the above treatments, it is suggested that you recheck the home or building for other sources of lead contamination.  Certified lead inspectors can help determine if a contamination site has been overlooked.