Health Effects

For Children
For Adults

Maryland's Children and the Environment 2008
MD CHILDREN ENVIRONMENT FACT SHEET

Children are frequently poisoned by ingesting lead dust that has accumulated on their hands, fingers, toys, or clothing from lead hazard sources like floors and windowsills.  It takes only small amounts of lead to harm a child.

There is no safe level of lead.  Currently, the Centers for Disease Control acknowledges a level of 10 µg/dL as the level of concern.  Lead will continue to accumulate in a child's body as long as the child is exposed to lead hazards.  Without detection, lead levels will continue to rise and if this continues untreated it creates greater and greater health complications.

Even at levels below 10 µg/dL, studies show that lead disrupts proper cognitive development and can result in lower IQ.  Levels above 40 µg/dL may require hospitalization (chelation therapy) and may put the child's life in risk.

Lead poisoned children rarely exhibit physical symptoms until lead levels are dangerously high.  Symptoms like

• headache
• excessive sleeping
• irritability
• abdominal pains
• problems with balance and motor control 

may be difficult to detect.  The only way to know for certain if a child is being exposed to lead hazards is through a blood lead test. 

Lead poisoning causes damage to the brain and nervous system as well as the heart and red blood cells resulting in:

• Learning Disabilities
• Lowered I.Q.
• Hyperactivity
• Attention Deficit Disorder
• Speech Delay
• Hearing Loss
• Slowed or Reduced Growth
• Behavioral Problems
• Violent or Aggressive Behavior

High Level Poisoning can result in: Serve Cognitive Disabilities, Coma and Death. 

Even though medical treatment like chelation can reduce the amount of lead in a child’s body, the damage done is irreversible. The harmful effects of lead poisoning are permanent. The ONLY cure is prevention.