Lead is a metal that is toxic to the human organism, affecting us in many detrimental ways. Lead is the cause of serious damage to vital organs, learning disabilities and behavioral problems. Lead toxicity is related to the malfunctioning of many important metabolic pathways in our bodies, causing a long list of harmful effects. Those effects depend on exposure time regardless of the exposure pathway.
Lead Poisoning Sources
Some sources of lead involve
- Contaminated dust
- Lead-based paints
- Plumbing pipes and faucets found in old buildings
- Gasoline products
- Certain art supplies
- Batteries
- Some traditional herbal remedies
- Vintage toys and furniture painted before 1976
- Contaminated soil
Lead Detection and Risks
Lead takes time to build up in the organism. Susceptibility to lead exposure seems to be greater in young children than adults since they are prone to touch objects and take their little fingers to their mouths. Children may become lead poisoned by eating paint chips found in houses with peeling or flaking lead-based paint, and by walking barefoot on lead-contaminated soil.
Some Common Lead Poisoning Symptoms
In children, acute exposure to high levels of lead may produce:
- Encephalopathy, including: hyperirritability, ataxia, coma, convulsions, death
- Chronic advanced renal disease including: nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, fatigue and weakness, sleep problems, changes in urine output
- Hemolytic Anemia including: confusion, weakness dizziness, low energy levels for physical activity, jaundice, and fever
- Gastrointestinal disorders: severe cramping, abdominal pain
- Other potential effects: It can decrease a healthy bone growth in children
- Behavioral Disorders
- Cognitive Problems
In adults, acute exposure to high levels of lead may produce:
- Increased frequency of spontaneous abortion
- Decreased sperm count concentration and motility
- Increased risk of premature birth and low birth weight
- Decrease libido
- Increased risk for minor congenital abnormalities
- Hypertension
- Aggressive behavior
- Hallucinations
- Irritability
- Constipation, severe cramping and abdominal pain
- Headaches
- Renal failure
- Hearing loss
- Blurred vision
- Weight loss
- General weakness, fatigue
- Anemia
- Neuromuscular trauma: delayed reactions, tremors, seizures, and loss of coordination
Reducing Lead Poisoning Risks
You can reduce exposure risks by:
- Keeping your home dust-free
- Washing your hands before eating
- Throwing out old painted toys
- Running tap water for a certain amount of time before using it
If you suspect you may have lead paint or other lead-contaminated items in your house, get a professional opinion from a lead inspection and lead testing specialized company.