What are the symptoms of lead poisoning?
Lead poisoning has no obvious signs, and most children do not report any abnormal symptoms. Children with lead poisoning might report stomachaches, decreased appetite, hyperactivity, sleeping problems or irritability. Because these symptoms appear to mimic other childhood problems, lead poisoning is sometimes mistaken for a cold or the flu. What kinds of complications can lead poisoning cause? Lead poisoning is related to a number of serious health problems. Children with elevated lead levels may suffer from learning disabilities, mental retardation, behavioral problems, lowered IQ, stunted growth and hearing impairment. Convulsions, coma and death can occur at higher lead levels. Some recent studies claim that childhood lead poisoning can contribute to problems later in life, such as academic failure, juvenile delinquency and high blood pressure. How can I tell if my child has lead poisoning? The only way to diagnose lead poisoning is by having a blood test. A doctor or nurse takes bl
Lead is a toxin that is especially dangerous if ingested or inhaled. Lead poisoning is the condition that can occur if high levels of lead build up in the body. The symptoms of lead poisoning can be immediate if a large, single dose of lead is ingested or inhaled, but usually lead poisoning occurs slowly over time as a result of repeat exposure to small amounts of lead. The symptoms of lead poisoning are vast and are symptomatic of other conditions as well. A blood test can determine if there are high levels of lead in a person’s body. Symptoms of lead poisoning include irritability, difficulty sleeping, headaches, reduced sensations, loss of developmental skills in young children, loss of appetite and energy, and anemia. In high doses, lead poisoning can cause abdominal pain, vomiting, muscle weakness and seizures. Lead poisoning is a much greater risk for children than adults. A child’s brain and nervous system are still developing and therefore are at risk for developmental damage f
• No desire to eat food • Loss of recently acquired skills • Drowsiness • Irritability • Headache • Lack of energy • Constipation • Stomach cramps • Trouble sleeping Symptoms of lead poisoning do not appear until a child is very ill. Children up to six years of age should have a blood lead test done each year. Your health care provider can perform this test.
Lead poisoning affects virtually every system in the body, and often occurs with no distinctive symptoms. Lead is particularly harmful to the developing brain and nervous system of fetuses and young children. Lead can damage a child’s central nervous system, kidneys, and reproductive system and, at higher levels, can cause coma, convulsions, and death. Even low levels of lead are harmful and are associated with decreased intelligence, impaired neurobehavioral development, decreased stature and growth, and impaired hearing acuity.
