Published: 18 Jun 2025

ICD9: 984.9      ICD10: T56.0X1A      ICD11: NE61

Lead poisoning is a serious condition that occurs when lead builds up in the body.
It can happen over months or years, even from small amounts of lead exposure. Lead is toxic to humans and can affect almost every organ and system in the body.

Here's a breakdown of what you need to know about lead poisoning:

What is Lead?

Lead is a naturally occurring heavy metal found in the Earth's crust.
Historically, it was widely used in various products because of its malleability, corrosion resistance, and other properties.

Sources of Lead Exposure:

Lead-Based Paint: The most common source, especially in older homes (built before 1978 in the US). When paint chips, peels, or is sanded, it can create lead dust.
Contaminated Water: Lead pipes, faucets, and plumbing fixtures can leach lead into drinking water.
Contaminated Soil: Lead can accumulate in soil from lead paint, industrial activities, or even past use of leaded gasoline.
Certain Imported Products: Some imported toys, candies, traditional medicines, ceramics, and cosmetics may contain lead.
Occupational Exposure: Certain jobs, like construction, mining, plumbing, auto repair, and battery manufacturing, can expose workers to lead.
Hobbies: Activities like stained glass making, pottery glazing, and shooting sports can involve lead exposure.

Who is at Risk?

Children under 6: They are most vulnerable because their brains and nervous systems are still developing. They also tend to put things in their mouths, increasing their risk of ingesting lead dust.
Pregnant women: Lead can cross the placenta and harm the developing fetus.
People who live in older homes with lead-based paint.
People who work in occupations that involve lead.

Symptoms of Lead Poisoning:

Symptoms can vary depending on the level of lead in the body and the length of exposure. Often, symptoms are subtle and easily mistaken for other illnesses. In some cases, there may be no obvious symptoms.

Children:
Developmental delays
Learning difficulties
Irritability
Loss of appetite
Weight loss
Abdominal pain
Vomiting
Constipation
Fatigue
Seizures (in severe cases)
Adults:
High blood pressure
Joint and muscle pain
Headaches
Abdominal pain
Mood disorders
Memory problems
Difficulty concentrating
Reduced sperm count and abnormal sperm
Miscarriage or premature birth in pregnant women
Kidney damage
Nerve disorders

Diagnosis:

A blood test is the primary way to diagnose lead poisoning. The test measures the amount of lead in the blood (blood lead level or BLL).

Treatment:

Removing the Source: The most important step is to identify and eliminate the source of lead exposure.
Chelation Therapy: In cases of high blood lead levels, doctors may use chelation therapy. This involves administering a medication that binds to lead in the blood and helps the body excrete it. Chelation therapy is not a cure-all and can have side effects, so it's only used in specific situations.

Prevention:

Keep living areas clean and dust-free: Regularly wet-mop floors and wipe down surfaces to remove lead dust.
Wash children's hands and toys frequently.
Run cold water before drinking: If you have lead pipes, let the water run for a few minutes to flush out any lead that may have leached into the water. Consider using a water filter certified to remove lead.
Test paint in older homes: If lead-based paint is present, take precautions to prevent chipping, peeling, or sanding. Consider professional lead abatement.
Be aware of potential lead sources in hobbies and occupations.
Eat a healthy diet: A diet rich in iron, calcium, and vitamin C can help reduce lead absorption.
Regular blood lead level testing: Especially important for children and pregnant women who live in areas with a high risk of lead exposure.

Long-Term Effects:

Even low levels of lead exposure can have long-lasting effects, especially in children. These can include:

Lowered IQ
Attention deficits
Behavioral problems
Learning disabilities
Kidney damage
Reproductive problems (in adults)
Increased risk of heart disease

Important Note: If you suspect that you or someone you know may have been exposed to lead, consult a doctor or healthcare professional immediately. Early detection and treatment are crucial to minimizing the potential health effects of lead poisoning.

The information provided here is for general knowledge and awareness. It's not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of a qualified healthcare provider for any health concerns or before making any decisions related to your health or treatment.