
Lead Poisoning
What Is Lead Poisoning?
Lead poisoning is the number one environmental illness of children.
Lead is a poisonous metal that our bodies cannot use. Lead was used in paint before it was banned in the United States in 1978. Deteriorating lead-based paint, lead dust from renovation or deterioration in buildings and contaminated soil remain the most likely sources of childhood lead exposure. Water from lead pipes, make-up, imported spices and candy can also be sources of exposure.
Lead poisoning is hard to see, but it is very harmful. There is no safe blood-lead level.
Lead can cause:
- Lowered IQ and learning problems.
- Trouble concentrating and paying attention
- Speech disorders
- Anemia (a disease caused by low iron levels), which can result in tiredness, shortness of breath, and difficulty paying attention.
- When exposed children become adults, they have a higher risk of high blood pressure and heart disease.
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Updated October 21, 2022, 1:11 PM