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Lead is a metal that's found in the environment and many consumer products. It can be toxic (poisonous) to people and animals.
Lead poisoning happens when too much lead gets into the body. In kids, this can happen when they breathe it in or eat or drink something contaminated by lead. Lead in the body can cause learning, behavior, and other problems.
The most common way that kids get lead poisoning is from lead-based paint in older homes. Lead paint was banned in the United States in the late 1970s, but older homes and businesses can still have lead paint.
Kids can be exposed to the lead if:
Kids also can have contact with lead if they:
Lead is toxic to everyone, but children younger than 6 years old are at greatest risk for problems from it. Their bodies absorb lead more easily than those of older kids and adults. Children 9 months to 2 years old are more likely to have higher lead levels because they crawl around and put their hands and other things in their mouth.
Kids are also at risk if they:
Lead can pass from a mother to her unborn baby. If you are pregnant and think you have been exposed to lead or were exposed in the past, talk to your doctor about getting a blood test to check lead levels.
Many children with lead poisoning have no symptoms. But even a low level of lead in the blood can lead to learning and behavior problems, like trouble paying attention. Symptoms of lead poisoning include:
Rarely, very high lead levels can cause confusion, seizures, coma, and death.
A simple blood test can diagnose lead poisoning. Doctors may do a lead test when kids are 1 and 2 years old during regular checkups.
Doctors may also recommend a lead test for kids who've had a known exposure to lead (for example, in drinking water) or are higher risk of exposure (such as those who live in an older home or whose parent has a hobby or job that involves being around lead).
The most important part of treatment is preventing more exposure to lead. The doctor will ask about the home to try to identify possible sources of lead. If a child has lead poisoning, all siblings should be tested.
Calcium, iron, and vitamin C are important parts of a healthy diet and also help decrease how much lead the body absorbs. The doctor may recommend a multivitamin with iron for a child who doesn’t get enough of these important nutrients in their diet.
Kids with high lead levels and symptoms of lead poisoning may need care in a hospital to get a medicine called a chelator (KEE-lay-ter). The chelator helps remove the lead from the body.
The effects of lead on development may not show up for years. Doctors will closely follow the development of children with lead exposure at all regular checkups.
Because there is no safe level for lead, try to protect kids from it. To help prevent lead poisoning:
Note: All information is for educational purposes only. For specific medical advice, diagnoses, and treatment, consult your doctor.
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