Lead is a toxic heavy metal that can cause serious health problems, especially in children. Even small amounts of lead exposure can be harmful, so it’s important to limit contact with lead as much as possible.
Is there a safe level of lead exposure?
No, there is no known safe level of lead exposure. Even very low blood lead levels can negatively impact health and development. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states that no safe blood lead level in children has been identified.
What are the health effects of low-level lead exposure?
Low-level chronic lead exposure can cause:
- Learning disabilities, attention deficit disorder, and decreased intelligence in children
- Impaired memory and concentration in adults
- Hearing problems
- Delayed puberty and reduced growth in children
- Increased blood pressure and kidney damage in adults
The developing brains and bodies of fetuses, infants, and children are especially vulnerable to even tiny amounts of lead. Lead exposure in childhood can have lasting negative effects into adulthood.
What are common sources of lead exposure?
Lead can be found in a variety of sources, including:
- Lead-based paint and lead-contaminated dust in older homes
- Lead pipes, fittings, and solder in plumbing systems
- Leaded gasoline and aviation fuel (now banned but still present in soil)
- Lead-glazed pottery and porcelain
- Leaded crystal glassware
- Lead ammunition and fishing tackle
- Some toys and inexpensive metal jewelry
- Some imported products such as candy, spices, makeup, and folk medicines
Eating paint chips or breathing lead dust are examples of acute high-dose exposures. More commonly, lead is ingested in small amounts from multiple sources over time.
How much lead is dangerous?
There are guidelines on lead exposure levels that warrant concern and intervention:
| Level | Significance |
|---|---|
| 5 micrograms per deciliter (μg/dL) of lead in blood | CDC “reference value” triggering case management and investigation of lead sources |
| 10 μg/dL | CDC level of concern warranting public health actions |
| 50 μg/dL | OSHA medical removal level in working adults |
However, many health experts argue that no measurable amount of lead is truly safe. Adverse effects are observable even below reference values.
Should I be concerned about trace exposures?
Since no safe threshold exists, the goal is to minimize lead exposure as much as realistically possible. Completely avoiding trace exposures is difficult, but sensible precautions can reduce risks:
- In older homes, control lead paint hazards and dust.
- Run cold water for drinking and cooking to avoid lead from pipes.
- Eat a balanced diet low in lead-contaminated foods.
- Wash hands frequently, especially before meals.
- Avoid putting non-food items in the mouth.
- Use lead-free dishes for eating and drinking.
- Don’t store acidic foods in lead crystal or pottery containers.
Are children more sensitive to lead?
Yes, children are especially vulnerable to lead for several reasons:
- Growing bodies absorb lead more readily.
- Developing brains and nervous systems sustain more damage.
- Normal childhood behaviors like crawling, hand-to-mouth contact, and chewing increase lead exposure from dust and soil.
- Malnutrition increases lead absorption.
- The blood-brain barrier is not fully formed in children.
Even exposures before birth can be harmful. Lead crosses the placenta, entering the fetus. For these reasons, blood lead levels as low as 5 μg/dL are cause for concern in children.
Should kids be tested for lead?
The CDC recommends:
- All children receive lead screening tests at ages 1 and 2.
- Children 3-6 years get tested if they haven’t been before.
- Higher risk children should be tested up to age 6.
- Talk to your doctor about testing if you are pregnant or planning pregnancy.
Early identification of elevated lead levels allows for monitoring and intervention to reduce ongoing exposure.
How can lead exposure be treated and managed?
Steps for treating lead exposure include:
- Stop ongoing exposure by identifying and removing lead sources.
- Nutritional interventions can reduce absorption of lead stored in bones.
- Chelation therapy uses drugs that bind to lead so it can be excreted.
- Follow-up blood level testing determines if exposure is declining.
- Supportive medical care manages symptoms and developmental problems.
Completely reversing the effects of lead toxicity is very difficult, so prevention is key through screening programs and reduction of lead hazards in homes and communities.
Conclusion
Lead exposure at any level can harm health, especially in young children. Small and cumulative lead exposures over time can be dangerous. While completely avoiding trace lead contact is unrealistic, precautions to minimize exposure are advisable. Blood lead testing identifies children at risk. Reducing contamination in housing and consumer products remains crucial for preventing lead toxicity.