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Lead Poisoning Effects
Exposure to excessive levels of lead can cause brain damage;
affect a child’s growth; damage kidneys; impair hearing;
cause vomiting, headaches, and appetite loss; and cause learning
and behavioral problems. In adults, lead can increase blood
pressure and can cause digestive problems, kidney damage,
nerve disorders, sleep problems, muscle and joint pain, and
mood changes.
Fetuses, infants, and children are more vulnerable to lead
exposure than adults since lead is more easily absorbed into
growing bodies. Also, the tissues of small children are more
sensitive to the damaging effects of lead.
Exposure to lead is estimated by measuring levels in the
blood (micrograms per deciliter). The Centers for Disease
Control and Prevention (CDC) has set a level of concern at
10 micrograms per deciliter. The CDC recommends testing children
at their one-year checkup or at six months if the child is
at risk of high-dose exposure.
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