Lead Poisoning

The danger of lead poisoning:

Of growing concern to health officials is the tremendous number of children being exposed to lead poisoning. According to recent Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates, 434,000 US children between the ages of 1 and 5 have elevated blood lead levels and more than one-fifth of African-American children living in housing built before 1946 have elevated blood lead levels.

What causes lead poisoning?

Ingesting dust from deteriorating lead-based paint is the most common cause of lead poisoning among children. Currently, more than 80 percent of public and privately owned housing units built before 1980 contain some lead-based paint. Other sources of lead poisoning are dust and soil that are contaminated with lead from old paint and from past emissions of leaded gasoline, tap water in homes that have lead pipes, paint, and dust chips from old toys, furniture, and certain hobby materials.

Who is at risk for lead poisoning?

The following persons are most at risk for lead poisoning:

children between the ages of 1 and 3
children in low-income families
African-Americans
Mexican Americans
persons living in large metropolitan areas
persons living in older housing
persons living in housing built before 1978

What are the effects of lead in the body?

If not detected early, children with high levels of lead in their bodies can suffer from such disorders as:

damage to the brain and nervous system
behavior and learning problems
slowed growth
hearing problems
headaches
anemia
seizures

In adults, lead poisoning may cause:

difficulties during pregnancy
reproductive problems in both men and women
high blood pressure
digestive disorders
memory and concentration problems
muscle and joint pain

How is lead poisoning detected?

A simple blood test can detect high levels of lead in the body. It is important for persons, especially children under 2 years of age and/or living in an older home to have the blood test.

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