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Health effects of lead exposure
Though lead is found frequently in our environment, there is no safe level of lead exposure. Lead exposure can harm both children and adults, particularly children’s developing brains and nervous systems. Even low levels of lead exposure can lead to long-term health problems, including cognitive impairments, developmental delays, and behavioral issues.
Children and lead
In children, lead is most damaging when they are six years and younger. Children grow at a fast rate - growing bones, developing stronger muscles, and creating many connections in their brains. When lead -- instead of essential nutrients -- is "available" to the body to make bones, muscle, and brain connections, permanent harm can occur. Even at low levels, lead can be harmful and associated with:
- Learning disabilities resulting in a decreased intelligence (decreased IQ)
- Attention deficit disorder
- Behavior issues
- Nervous system damage
- Speech and language impairment
- Decreased muscle growth
- Decreased bone growth
- Kidney damage
High levels of lead are life threatening and can cause seizures, unconsciousness, and death.
Adults and lead
Lead exposure is a concern for adults, even though they have finished growing. Since an adult's body is much larger than a child's body, more lead is needed to cause injury. That said, the harm lead can do to an adult is very serious. High levels of lead can cause:
- Increased chance of illness during pregnancy
- Harm to a fetus, including brain damage or death
- Fertility problems in both men and women
- High blood pressure
- Digestive issues
- Nerve disorders
- Memory and concentration problems
- Muscle and joint pain