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Lead Poisoning—Child

Authors:
  • Amy Scholten, MPH
Publication Type:

Condition

Lead Poisoning—Child

Definition

Lead is a metal found in the environment. It is toxic to humans when it is inhaled or taken in by eating something that has lead. Only small amounts of lead will pass through the body. Bones and organs can easily absorb the rest. Lead will keep building up in the body if more is taken in again. It can damage organs.

Children are at higher risk of damage from lead poisoning. It is known to cause mental and physical growth problems.

Causes

The most common causes are exposure to:

  • Lead-based paint—used in homes built before 1978
  • Dust, soil, or fumes that have lead
  • Drinking water from lead pipes or pipes with lead-based soldering
  • Foods in lead-soldered cans from outside the US

Risk Factors

This problem is more common in children under five years of age. Other things that may raise the risk are:

  • Eating non-food items
  • Living in a house or apartment built before 1978, especially before 1960
  • Drinking water from pipes built before 1986
  • Living with adults who are exposed to lead— from work or hobbies
  • Receiving blood transfusions from adults with high lead levels
  • Being born to a mother who has high levels of lead
  • Having low levels of iron in the blood

Symptoms

Children with lead poisoning may not have symptoms. Those who do may have:

  • Problems with behavior, learning, and focus
  • Difficulty hearing
  • Slow growth
  • Tiredness or weakness
  • Headaches
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Lack of hunger and weight loss
  • Belly pain
  • Problems sleeping
  • Irritability
  • Clumsiness
  • Seizures or coma

Diagnosis

The doctor will ask about symptoms and past health. A physical exam will be done. A blood test can diagnose lead poisoning. This test may also be done in young children as part of a routine doctor visit.

Treatment

Treatment depends on how severe the lead poisoning is. The most key step is to prevent a person from taking in more lead. Local public health officials may be able to help with this. They have guidelines for reducing lead exposure at home. This may be enough for those with mild to moderate poisoning. Lead levels will be tested often to look for any increase.

Chelation therapy may be needed for those with high lead levels. This therapy uses special medicine that binds to lead. Once combined, it is easier for the body to get rid of it.

Treatment may be needed to address problems caused by lead poisoning.

Prevention

Lead at home most often comes from old lead-based paint. Public health officials can explain how best to deal with old paint. They can also highlight local places that have higher risk of lead exposure.

RESOURCES:

CANADIAN RESOURCES:

CANADIAN RESOURCES:

References

  • Hauptman, M., Bruccoleri, R., et al. An update on childhood lead poisoning. Clinical Pediatric Emergency Medicine, 2017; 18 (3): 181–192.
  • Lead. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website. Available at: https://www.cdc.gov/nceh/lead.
  • Lead. Environmental Protection Agency website. Available at: https://www.epa.gov/lead.
  • Lead poisoning in children. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: https://www.dynamed.com/condition/lead-poisoning-in-children.
Last Updated:
2023-10-01

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This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.