Lead Poisoning Summary Lead is a metal that occurs naturally in the earth’s crust. Lead can be found in all parts of our environment. Much of it comes from human activities such as mining and manufacturing. Lead used to be in paint; older houses may still have lead paint. You could be exposed to lead by Eating food or drinking water that contains lead. Water pipes in older homes may contain lead. Working in a job where lead is used Using lead in a hobby, such as making stained glass or lead-glazed pottery Using folk remedies such as herbs or foods that contain lead Breathing air, drinking water, eating food, or swallowing or touching dirt that contains lead can cause many health problems. Lead can affect almost every organ and system in your body. In adults, lead can increase blood pressure and cause infertility, nerve disorders, and muscle and joint pain. It can also make you irritable and affect your ability to concentrate and remember. Lead is especially dangerous for children. A child who swallows large amounts of lead may develop anemia, severe stomachache, muscle weakness, and brain damage. Even at low levels, lead can affect a child’s mental and physical growth. Agency for Toxic Substances Disease Registry National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences Diagnosis and Tests Blood Test: Lead (For Parents) Nemours Foundation Lead Test American Association for Clinical Chemistry Rapid Lead Screening Test Food and Drug Administration Related Issues Candy Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Folk Medicine Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Lead (in the Workplace) Occupational Safety and Health Administration Lead and Drinking Water from Private Wells Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Water Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Find an Expert Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Environmental Protection Agency Environmental Protection Agency National Center for Environmental Health Centers for Disease Control and Prevention National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences Clinical Trials ClinicalTrials.gov: Lead Poisoning National Institutes of Health Encyclopedia Delta-ALA urine test Videos and Tutorials Enviromysteries: Inside Stories: Maggie’s Story Array Children Know Where Lead May Be Hiding National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences Lead Poisoning National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences Lead Poisoning (For Parents) Nemours Foundation Specifics Kohl, Kajal, Al-Kahl, or Surma: By Any Name, Beware of Lead Poisoning Food and Drug Administration Start Here Lead Environmental Protection Agency Lead Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Lead (Environmental Health Student Portal) National Library of Medicine Lead Poisoning Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research Lead Poisoning National Safety Council Learn about Lead Environmental Protection Agency Tox Town National Library of Medicine Array Lead – nutritional considerations Lead levels – blood Lead poisoning Prevention and Risk Factors Lead Poisoning Prevention Tips Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Protect Your Family from Lead in Your Home Environmental Protection Agency The Lead-Safe Certified Guide to Renovate Right Environmental Protection Agency Patient Handouts Lead Toxicity Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry Journal Articles Lead Poisoning Statistics and Research TOXMAP National Library of Medicine
