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Lead poisoning
Alternative Names: Plumbism Symptoms: There are many possible symptoms of lead poisoning. Lead can affect many different parts of the body. Over time, even low levels of lead exposure can harm a child's mental development. The possible health problems get worse as the level of lead in the blood gets higher. Possible complications include: Reduced IQ Slowed body growth Hearing problems Behavior or attention problems Failure at school Kidney damage Text Continues Below The symptoms of lead poisoning may include: Irritability Aggressive behavior Low appetite and energy Difficulty sleeping Headaches Reduced sensations Loss of previous developmental skills (in young children) Anemia Constipation Abdominal pain and cramping (usually the first sign of a high, toxic dose of lead poison) Very high levels may cause vomiting, staggering gait, muscle weakness, seizures, or coma References: Bleecker ML, et al. Differential effects of lead exposure on components of verbal memory. Occup Environ Med. 2005 Mar;62(3):181-7. Chen A, Dietrick, KN, Ware, JH, et al.  IQ and Blood Lead from 2 to 7 Years of Age: Are the Effects in Older Children the Residual of High Blood Lead Concentrations in 2-Year-Olds? Environ Health Perspect. 2005 May;113(5):597-601. Marcus, S. Lead Toxicity. eMedicine. October 4, 2004. Available at: http://www.emedicine.com/emerg/topic293.htm. Accessed May 5, 2005. Eliminating Childhood Lead Poisoning: A Federal Strategy Targeting Lead Paint Hazards. Washington, DC. President's Task Force on Environmental Health Risks and Safety Risks to Children, Environmental Protection Agency; February 2000. Available at http://www.epa.gov/opptintr/lead/fedstrategy2000.pdf. Accessed May 5, 2005. Page:  1 | 2 | Next >>