Lead is a naturally occurring toxic metal that can be found in various places. Lead exposure, while preventable, is a serious health concern because even relatively low levels can negatively affect the body, causing problems with learning, behavior, development, and overall health. In this blog, we’ll discuss risks of lead exposure and how they can be reduced to create healthier homes and people.
What is Lead Exposure?
Lead exposure occurs when a person comes into contact with lead and it enters the body, typically by breathing in lead-containing dust or swallowing contaminated materials. Lead is a naturally occurring metal that has been widely used in products and construction materials in the past. Although many uses of lead have been legally restricted, it can still be found in various places. Common sources of lead exposure include:
- Lead-based paint (especially in older homes and buildings, and paints for boats and bridges)
- Contaminated soil
- Toys
- Jewelry
- Lead-glazed ceramics or pottery
- Drinking water (from corroded pipes)
- Some cosmetics bought outside of the United States
Short-term (acute) exposure occurs when a person comes into contact with a small amount of lead once, or a large amount of lead over a short period of time. Acute lead poisoning is not common. Ingestion of a small amount of lead once will not result in symptoms. Inhalation of a high concentration of lead or a very large oral ingestion is more concerning.
Long-term (chronic) exposure occurs when a person is exposed to smaller amounts of lead repeatedly or over an extended period of time. Lead can build up in the body and may affect the brain, nervous system, kidneys, other organs, and the blood. Symptoms of chronic lead exposure may include:
- Stomach pain, nausea, and constipation
- Depression, irritability, and altered moods or behaviors
- Distraction and forgetfulness
- Increased blood pressure
- Anemia (changes in red blood cells)
- Decreased lung function
- Bone or tooth loss
- Increased infections in general
- Fertility problems in both men and women
Who is at Increased Risk?
Young Children
Children under the age of six are at greater risk for health problems from lead exposure. These health issues include:
- Constipation
- Learning disabilities
- Impaired growth
- Anemia
The health effects of lead exposure are more harmful to younger children than older children because their bodies are developing quickly. Young children are also at an increased risk of lead exposure because they may put their hands or objects that may contain lead into their mouths.
Pregnant Individuals
Lead may be stored in the bones of adults who have been exposed to lead. During pregnancy, the lead stored in the bones can be released into the blood. If an individual is exposed to lead during pregnancy, the developing baby can also be exposed.
Lead in the blood during pregnancy can:
- Increase risk for miscarriage
- Cause the baby to be born too early or too small
- Hurt the baby’s brain, kidneys, and nervous system
- Cause the child to have learning or behavior problems
If you are pregnant and think you may have been exposed to lead, talk to your health care provider.
Workers in Lead-Related Industries
Lead can be found across all industries, but direct exposure is most common among workers in construction, mining, and manufacturing. Some common sources of exposure in the workplace include:
- Lead-acid battery recycling
- Bullet manufacturing
- Electronics recycling
Preventing Lead Exposure
There is no safe blood lead level for children, and even low levels of lead in the body can have a harmful effect. The most important step to take is to prevent lead exposure before it occurs.
If possible, and especially if your home was built before 1978, hire a certified lead professional for renovation and repair work. If you rent your home and believe it may contain lead-based paint or other lead hazards, talk with your landlord or housing authority about hiring a certified lead professional.
Regularly clean your home with a wet cloth, sponge, or mop to eliminate dust that may contain lead. If you see any peeling, chipping, or cracking paint, immediately clean the area with a wet wipe.
Before entering your home, clean or remove work clothing and shoes to prevent bringing in lead from soil, workplaces, or hobbies. Bathing after activities that may expose you to lead can also help wash lead dust from your skin and hair.
For more information, visit the U.S Environmental Protection Agency’s Actions to Reduce Potential Lead Exposure page.
Detecting Lead Exposure
You can hire a certified professional to check for lead-based paint in your home. To detect lead in the body, the U.S Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends testing blood for lead. A patient’s blood lead level (BLL) is measured in micrograms of lead per deciliter of blood (μg/dL). Health care providers should follow recommendations based on the initial blood screening and a blood draw (if necessary) to confirm BLLs in the patient’s veins.
If you or someone you know is concerned about lead exposure, talk to a health care provider or local health department to schedule a blood lead test. Take preventive action to reduce your and your family’s risk of lead exposure. If testing shows you have an elevated lead level, the Maryland Poison Center can help guide your medical providers to the next steps. Call 1-800-222-1222 for fast, free, and confidential poison help.
Comments are closed.