Health Effects of Lead from the EPA

Child lead poisoning continues to be a huge environmental health problem in the USA.

People may get lead in their body if they:
- Put their fingers or other objects covered with lead contamination in their mouths.
- Swallow paint chips or irt that contains lead.
- Inhale in lead particles, especially during remodeling that disturb painted surfaces.
Lead is more dangerous to minors because:
- Infants and young children usually put their hands, fingers and other objects in their mouths. These objects can have lead dust on them.
- Children’s growing bodies absorb more lead.
- Children’s brains and central nervous systems are more sensitive to the ill effects of lead.
If not detected soon, children with elevated levels of lead in their bodies can suffer from:
- Damage to the brain and central nervous system
- Behavior and learning problems, such as HDD
- Slowed growth
- Hearing problems
- Head pain
Lead is also harmful to grownups. Adults can suffer from:
- Reproductive problems (in both women and men)
- Elevated blood pressure and hypertension
- Nervous disorders
- Concentration and memory problems
- Muscle and arthritic pain