Learn what to look for.
That being said, there are a few things that could indicate a person has lead poisoning.
For that reason, there is no level of lead that is considered to be safeespecially for young children.
Illustration by Joshua Seong. © Verywell, 2018.
in most cases, it’s likely nothing serious, but still important to get checked out.
This is why prevention is so important, as well as diagnosisfor proper treatment.
This can lead to challenges at school, growth delays, and behavioral issues.
Even small amounts of lead exposure can affect a baby’s intelligence and behavior later in life.
In some cases, it can also lead to miscarriages or stillbirths.
The healthcare provider will likely ask questions about sources of lead in your home, school, or workplace.
They will check for physical signs of lead poisoning, includingrunning a blood test.
Developmental delays and seizures are also possible.
Lead poisoning during pregnancy increases the risk of miscarriage, premature birth, and low birth weight.
Conversely, lead poisoning can lower the sperm count and make it difficult to conceive.
In adults, chronic lead exposure is linked to psychiatric problems and a decline in cognitive function.
However, damage to thebrain and nervous systemmay be irreversible.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.About childhood lead poisoning prevention.
American Academy of Pediatrics.Lead exposure & children: FAQ for families.
World Health Organization.Lead poisoning and health.
Centers for Disease Control & Prevention.Symptoms of lead exposure.
Council on Environmental Health.Prevention of childhood lead toxicity.Pediatrics.
2016;138(1).
doi:10.1542/peds.2016-1493
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Understanding your risk for lead exposure.
doi:10.1136/bcr-2016-215041
Hauptman M, Bruccoleri R, Woolf AD.An update on childhood lead poisoning.Clin Pediat Emerg Med.
2018;3(4):e177-e184.
doi:10.1016/S2468-2667(18)30025-2
