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Causes
By Mayo Clinic staffLead is a metal that occurs naturally in the earth's crust, but human activity — mining, burning fossil fuels and manufacturing — has caused it to become more widespread. Lead was also once a key ingredient in paint and gasoline and is still used in batteries, solder, pipes, pottery, roofing materials and some cosmetics.
Lead in paint
The use of lead-based paints for homes, children's toys and household furniture has been banned in the United States since 1978. But lead-based paint is still on walls and woodwork in many older homes and apartments. Most lead poisoning in children results from eating lead-based paint chips.
Water pipes and imported canned goods
Lead pipes, brass plumbing fixtures and copper pipes soldered with lead can release lead particles into tap water. Although lead solder in food cans is banned in the United States, it's still used in some countries.
Traditional remedies
Some cases of lead poisoning have been traced to the use of certain traditional medicines, including:
- Greta or azarcon. This fine orange powder — also known as alarcon, coral, luiga, maria luisa or rueda — is a Hispanic remedy taken for an upset stomach, constipation, diarrhea and vomiting. It's also used to soothe teething babies.
- Litargirio. Also known as litharge, this peach-colored powder is used as a deodorant, especially in the Dominican Republic.
- Ba-baw-san. This Chinese herbal remedy is used to treat colic pain in babies.
- Ghasard. A brown powder, ghasard is used as a tonic in India.
- Daw tway. A digestive aid used in Thailand, daw tway contains high levels of lead and arsenic.
Other sources of lead exposure
Lead can also sometimes be found in:
- Soil. Lead particles that settle on the soil from leaded gasoline or paint can last for years. Lead-contaminated soil is still a major problem around highways and in some urban settings.
- Household dust. Household dust can contain lead from lead paint chips or from contaminated soil brought in from outside.
- Pottery. Glazes found on some ceramics, china and porcelain can contain lead that may leach into food.
- Toys. Lead is sometimes found in toys and other products produced abroad.
- Traditional cosmetics. Kohl is a traditional cosmetic, often used as eyeliner. Testing of various samples of kohl has revealed high levels of lead.
- Markowitz M. Lead poisoning. In: Kliegman RM. Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics. 18th ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Saunders Elsevier; 2007. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/208746819-6/0/1608/0.html. Accessed Jan. 14, 2011.
- Hurwitz RL. Childhood lead poisoning: Clinical manifestations and diagnosis. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Jan. 14, 2011.
- McGuigan MA. Chronic poisoning: Trace metals and others. In: Goldman L, et al. Cecil Medicine. 23rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Saunders Elsevier; 2008. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/191371208-2/0/1492/0.html#. Accessed Jan. 14, 2011.
- At-risk populations: Pregnant women. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. http://www.cdc.gov/nceh/lead/tips/pregnant.htm. Accessed Jan. 14, 2011.
- Goldman RH, et al. Adult lead poisoning. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Jan. 14, 2011.
- Folk medicine. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. http://www.cdc.gov/nceh/lead/tips/folkmedicine.htm. Accessed Jan. 17, 2011.
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, et al. Lead poisoning associated with use of litargirio: Rhode Island, 2003. MMWR. 2005:54;227. http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/mm5409a5.htm. Accessed Jan. 17, 2011.
- Lee DA, et al. Childhood lead poisoning: Exposure and prevention. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Jan. 17, 2011.
- Lead in paint, dust and soil. Environmental Protection Agency. http://www.epa.gov/opptintr/lead/pubs/leadinfo.htm. Accessed Jan. 18, 2011.
- International adoption and prevention of lead poisoning. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. http://www.cdc.gov/nceh/lead/tips/adoption.htm. Accessed Jan. 18, 2011.
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, et al. Recommendations for blood lead screening of Medicaid-eligible children aged 1-5 years: An updated approach to targeting a group at high risk. MMWR. 2009;58:1. http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/rr5809a1.htm. Accessed Jan. 18, 2011.
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