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Complications
By Mayo Clinic staffExposure to even low levels of lead — 10 micrograms (a microgram is one-millionth of a gram) in a deciliter (1/2 cup) of blood — can cause damage over time, especially in children. The greatest risk is to brain development, where irreversible damage may occur. Higher levels — 25 micrograms per deciliter of blood — can damage the kidneys and nervous system in both children and adults. Very high lead levels may cause seizures, unconsciousness and possibly death.
Complications in children
Health problems in children caused by elevated blood lead levels may include:
- Anemia
- Decreased muscle and bone growth
- Hearing damage
- Learning disabilities
- Nervous system and kidney damage
- Poor muscle coordination
- Speech, language and behavior problems
Complications in adults
High levels of lead in adults may lead to:
- Anemia
- Cataracts
- Damage to reproductive organs in men
- Digestive problems
- High blood pressure
- Memory and concentration problems
- Muscle and joint pain
- Nerve disorders
- Pregnancy complications, including miscarriage, preterm delivery and stillbirth
- CDC's Third National Report on Human Exposure to Environmental Chemicals: Spotlight on Lead. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. www.cdc.gov/exposurereport/pdf/factsheet_lead.pdf. Accessed Jan. 17, 2009.
- ToxFAQs for lead. Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry. http://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/tfacts13.html#bookmark05. Accessed Jan. 17, 2008.
- Goldman RH, et al. Adult lead poisoning. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Jan. 19, 2008.
- HUD sets new requirements to prevent childhood lead poisoning in housing assisted or being sold by the federal government. U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. http://nhl.gov/offices/lead/library/enforcement/1012fs.pdf. Accessed Jan. 23, 2009.
- General lead information: Questions and answers. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. http://www.cdc.gov/nceh/lead/faq/about.htm. Accessed Jan. 23, 2009.
- Protect your family from lead in your home. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/pubs/426.pdf. Accessed Jan. 23, 2009.
