Young children are especially vulnerable to the toxic effects of lead and can suffer serious health problems after repeated exposure to things that contain lead.
Lead affects the development of the brain and nervous system. High-dose lead exposure may not cause symptoms right away, but when they do appear, they can be severe. The most common signs and symptoms of lead poisoning in children include:
- Abdominal pain
- Vomiting
- Constipation
- Hearing loss
- Irritability
- Speech difficulties
- Loss of appetite
- Weight loss
- Sluggishness and fatigue
- Seizures
- Learning difficulties
- Developmental delays
What causes lead poisoning?
Major sources of children’s exposure to lead include any products that contain lead, such as:
- Gasoline
- Lead-based paints and pigments
- Lead solder in food cans
- Ceramic glazes
- Drinking-water systems with lead solder and lead pipes
- Herbal and traditional medicines, cosmetics, and toys that contain lead
- Incineration of lead-containing waste
- Electronic waste (e-waste)
How is lead poisoning treated?
The first step in treating lead poisoning is to remove the source of the contamination. For children with relatively low lead levels, simply avoiding exposure to lead might be enough to reduce lead levels in the blood.
Treatment for higher levels of lead in the blood include:
- Chelation therapy: The child is given an oral medication that binds with the lead so that it's excreted through urine. Chelation therapy may be recommended for children with a blood level of 45 mcg/dL or greater and adults with high blood levels of lead or symptoms of lead poisoning.
- EDTA chelation therapy: This is recommended when lead levels are greater than 45 mcg/dL in the blood and for children who cannot tolerate the drug used in conventional chelation therapy. This therapy most commonly uses a chemical called calcium disodium ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) and is given by injection.
How to prevent lead poisoning
It’s important to take steps to prevent your child’s exposure to lead. Simple steps include keeping your home clean and well-maintained. Other steps may include:
- Inspecting and maintaining all painted surfaces to prevent paint deterioration.
- Addressing water damage quickly and thoroughly.
- Keeping the home clean and dust-free. Household dust from deteriorating lead-based paint or contaminated soil can be major sources of lead exposure for children.
- Letting the water run to flush the tap, using only cold water to prepare food and drinks, and using a water filter. Lead in older pipes can leach into drinking water.
- Teaching children to keep their hands and toys out of their mouths and to wash their hands frequently.
SLIDESHOW
Parenting Guide: Healthy Eating for Kids See SlideshowHealth Solutions From Our Sponsors
Medically Reviewed on 6/24/2021
References
World Health Organization. Childhood Lead Poisoning. https://www.who.int/ceh/publications/leadguidance.pdf
American Academy of Pediatrics. Lead Exposure in Children. https://www.aap.org/en-us/advocacy-and-policy/aap-health-initiatives/lead-exposure/Pages/Lead-Exposure-in-Children.aspx
Center for Disease Control and Prevention. Prevent Children’s Exposure to Lead. https://www.cdc.gov/nceh/features/leadpoisoning/index.html
American Academy of Pediatrics. Lead Exposure in Children. https://www.aap.org/en-us/advocacy-and-policy/aap-health-initiatives/lead-exposure/Pages/Lead-Exposure-in-Children.aspx
Center for Disease Control and Prevention. Prevent Children’s Exposure to Lead. https://www.cdc.gov/nceh/features/leadpoisoning/index.html
Complete List
Top What Are Signs of Lead Poisoning in a Child? Related Articles
Baby's First Year: Milestones Month by Month
When do babies learn to crawl? Start teething? Learn about major milestones in your baby's first months. Get tips on how to help baby learn, grow, and develop into a healthy toddler.
Baby's 1st Yr Slideshow
What developmental milestones can you expect to see during baby's first year? Find out when babies learn to smile, laugh, crawl, and talk.
Differences: Autism and Pervasive Development
Pervasive developmental disorders (PDDs) are a set of behavioral disorders that are present since early childhood. Although there is an overlap in the features of autism and PDDs, PDDs typically do not meet “all” the criteria for classical autism or Asperger’s syndrome. Both PDDs and autism cause a “socially awkward child.”
Fetal Development
Take a peek inside the womb to see the stages of fetal development. Learn how embryos develop and grow during pregnancy. See week after week ultrasound images of your baby in the womb.
How Can I Help My 5-Month-Old Baby’s Development?
Babies at 5 months of age are developing rapidly. Parents can help their 5-month-old baby's development by talking and reading to their baby. Teaching, cuddling, and entertaining your baby are important, too.
How Do You Identify Developmental Delays in Children?
According to the CDC, about one in six children in the United States has one or another kind of developmental delay or developmental disability. Possible signs of developmental delay include a baby not being able to hold their head up by 4 months of age, can't sit well by 10 months of age, doesn't move their arms or legs, having an unusual cry, doesn't want to stand up, and other signs.
How Long Does It Take to Get Lead Poisoning?
Lead poisoning usually takes months or years of exposure to a small amount of lead at home, work or daycare. When exposed to large amounts of lead, it can quickly lead to lead poisoning (acute poisoning).
Food-Smart Kids Slides
Healthy kids' snacks and meals help your child develop a positive relationship with nutritious food. Teach your kids how to eat right for better nutrition.What Does Lead Poisoning Do To Adults?
Lead is a naturally occurring toxic metal found in the earth’s crust. Excess lead buildup in the body can cause lead poisoning. Although lead poisoning primarily affects children, it can also prove to be dangerous in adults.
What Is a Toddler's Development?
Toddler’s development includes the physical, emotional, behavioral and mental growth of children from ages one to three years old. The various factors that influence the toddler’s development include the family's culture, environment, socioeconomic status and genetics.