What is Lead Poisoning?

• Although there are many uses for lead, unlike other metals such as iron,
  there are no known uses for lead in the body and it has many harmful
  effects. There is no safe level of lead in the body, so even small amounts
  can be harmful. When a person is exposed to, particularly through ingestion,
  the body mistakes lead for calcium and deposits it in areas of the body where
  calcium is needed. Lead is deposited in bone and other areas where calcium
  is needed for nerve growth.
• The damage caused by lead poisoning is often permanent. While poisoning
  can be stopped, and many symptoms reversed, the neurological damage is
  lifelong.
• Lead is also stored in the bones and can cause poisoning throughout the
  lifespan.
• Lead poisoning can cause anemia, slowed growth, hearing problems,
  headaches, learning disabilities, behavioral problems, and, at very high
  levels, seizures, coma, and even death (EPA.gov, 2008, CDC.gov, 2008).
  Lead exposure in childhood has also been associated with lower IQ’s.
• Lead is also harmful to adults, and can cause reproductive problems (in both
  men and women), high blood pressure and hypertension, nerve disorders,
  memory and concentration problems, muscle and joint pain (EPA.gov, 2008)

Who is at greatest risk?

• Children, particularly those under the age of 6 years old are at the highest
  risk for lead poisoning.
• Bone growth in childhood calls for a high amount of calcium. When lead is
  also present, the human body cannot discriminate lead from calcium and
  integrates lead it to the bones or wherever calcium is needed.
• Neurological development is critical at this age and lead acts as an insulator
  and blocks proper nerve impulse, thus leading to possible reduction of
  natural brain development and can permanently lower IQ.
• Infants and small children also have a tendency to put an assortment of
  objects in their mouth (known as “pica behavior”) putting them at higher risk
  of ingesting lead from contaminated objects.
• Children living in homes built before 1978, when lead-based paint was
  banned, may be at increase risk of lead exposure.
• Pregnant women are also at risk as they can pass lead to the unborn fetus
  during development.

Common Sources of Lead

• Consumer products (such as jewelry and children’s toys); Lead is often used
  unbeknown to U.S. importers and consumers. Though most often used in
  paint, it can also appear in metals, and even plastics. It is a cheap alternative
  that is under-regulated in other countries.
• Lead paint; houses built before the 1978 ban of lead-based paint. Painted
  furniture may also contain lead-based paint.
• Take-home exposure; occupational exposure from a parent can introduce
  lead into the home environment as well as certain hobbies (fishing, target
  shooting, etc.)
• Lead-contaminated soil and dust; until it was phased out in the late 1970’s to
  early 1980’s, lead was used in gasoline, and was present in automobile
  emissions as pollution. It was found that the reduction used in gasoline was
  highly correlated with a reduction in blood lead levels in children.
• Imported cosmetics; some non-domestic cosmetics use Lead as a coloring
  and/or it chemical properties primarily b/c it’s cheaper than alternatives.
• Imported candy; chili based candies, particularly from Mexico, can be
  contaminated with Lead from the soils they are grown in and have been
  shown to be a potential health hazard in California due to their availability.
• Imported pottery; many colorful ceramics use Lead for vibrant colors and as a
  glaze. Lead can also be present in fine crystal.
• Imported home remedies; some (imported) folk remedies use powdered Lead
  as an ingredient to settle stomachs and calm children. This may happen, but
  is result of severe lead poisoning.