Recognizing and preventing lead poisoning in children

September 27, 2024, 4:18 p.m.

Shobha Bhaskar, MD

Environmental contaminants are a common cause of health problems in children, who are particularly vulnerable due to their developing organs, including the brain and lungs, which are highly susceptible to the harmful effects of these dangerous chemicals.

Lead poisoning is a preventable condition that continues to be a significant public health problem. In 2020, The Toxic Truth report from UNICEF and Pure Earth revealed that one-third of children globally — roughly 800 million children up to age 19 — have a blood lead level at or above 5 micrograms per deciliter (µg/dL), a level that requires action, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. While lead exposure can affect people of all ages, young children are especially at risk because their growing bodies absorb more lead, making them more susceptible to its harmful effects.

Understanding lead poisoning: Risks and symptoms
Lead is a naturally occurring metal that was once a common ingredient in paints. It is still used in various industries, such as plumbing, construction materials and car batteries. Lead can be found in everyday items including cosmetics, herbal remedies, stained glass, leaded crystals, glazed ceramics and some toys imported from other countries.

Who is at risk for lead poisoning?
Children living in older homes built before 1978 are at the highest risk for lead poisoning, particularly if they are exposed to peeling lead paint, dust from the walls, or water from older plumbing systems. Kids with pica, a habit of putting dirt and non-food items in their mouths, are also at risk if they ingest lead-contaminated objects. Additionally, kids who are around caregivers who work in jobs with potential lead exposure — such as welding, auto repair or construction — or who have hobbies like ceramics, stained glass, home remodeling or lead soldering, are at increased risk. Caregivers can carry lead dust on their clothing, which the child can inhale or ingest.

What are the symptoms of lead poisoning?
Lead poisoning symptoms can take a long time to appear, but lead poisoning can affect a child's physical and mental development even before the symptoms become apparent. Children who appear healthy may still have toxic lead levels and related changes in their bodies. Even low levels of lead can cause learning difficulties, attention issues and behavioral problems.

Common symptoms of lead poisoning include:

tiredness
irritability
headache
stomach pains
decreased appetite
nausea
vomiting
constipation
joint pains
muscle weakness

In cases of very high lead levels, the situation can be life-threatening, leading to neurological complications such as seizures and coma.

How is lead poisoning detected?
Lead levels in the body can be checked with a simple blood test. Children typically have their lead levels checked during their health maintenance visits at 1 and 2 years old. Children at higher risk, those living in older homes or exposed to caregivers with jobs that involve lead exposure may require additional testing.

Treatment options for lead poisoning
The primary goal of treatment for lead poisoning is to prevent further exposure by eliminating the source of contamination. Family members of children with lead poisoning need to be tested. A nutritious diet rich in iron, calcium, and vitamin C can help the body decrease lead absorption. In some cases of significantly high lead levels, hospitalization may be necessary to administer a special medication called a chelator, which helps remove lead from the body.

Preventing lead poisoning: What you can do
To reduce exposure to lead at home, start by testing your water supply (including well water) through your water department. If your work or hobbies expose you to lead, change shoes and clothes before coming home to avoid bringing lead dust inside. If you live in a home built before 1978, twice a week, wipe floors, windowsills and other surfaces with soapy water, and frequently clean your child's bottles, pacifiers and toys. Keep children away from areas with peeling paint. Use a lead-safe certified contractor for home remodeling projects to ensure proper precautions are taken to seal off areas that might disturb lead paint and avoid dust exposure. You can call 800-424-LEAD for safety guidelines on reducing lead exposure in your home. Maintaining a healthy diet with dairy products, lean meats, beans, and fruits and vegetables can also help reduce lead absorption in the body.

If you have concerns about lead poisoning, it's important to discuss them with your child's pediatrician. Make sure that lead-level screening is conducted according to recommended guidelines. Your physician can help identify potential sources of environmental exposure for your child and determine the most appropriate steps for testing and treatment.

Need help finding a pediatrician? We’re here to assist. Learn more about what factors to consider when choosing a provider.