What Are Elevated Lead Levels?

Lead from environmental exposure or ingestion can cause elevated lead levels in the bloodstream, measureable with a simple blood test. In the past, many paints were lead based, posing danger to humans, especially infants who teethed on crib handles and windowsills. Children are especially vulnerable to the effects of elevated lead levels. Lead is toxic to humans.

Today, some lead products still exist. Lead remains in our soil and homes from gasoline, paint, pipes and other industrial sources, posing danger of elevated lead levels that can produce lead poisoning.

History

• Lead was once widely used in paint, perhaps the most available source of increased lead levels in humans today. Older homes that have chipped paint and lead dust make it possible to experience elevated lead levels in the bloodstream, leading to toxicity.

  Much impetus has been gained by identifying lead as a toxin and increasing efforts to remove dust, old pipes and paint that has deteriorated from older homes. Paint is no longer manufactured with lead.

  Lead can be found in the soil, especially in older urban areas. Children can experience elevated lead levels from playing in the dirt and ingesting it when they put their hands to their mouths.

Considerations

• Elevated lead levels may cause no symptoms until they are so severe that they become dangerous. Accumulation of lead n the bloodstream is gradual.

  Though lead is naturally in the earth, it has been spread by humans. Decomposing pottery and some jewelry also adds to elevated lead levels in the soil. Merely touching soil that has lead in it can increase our exposure. Pipes, roofing materials, batteries and ammunition contain lead, contributing to elevated levels of lead in the environment.

Expert Insight

• According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, "children's exposure to lead in homes containing lead-based paint and lead-contaminated dust remains a serious public health concern." The National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey has measured lead levels in children since 1976 as part of a national program to identify elevated lead levels in the environment that can affect children.

  Elevated lead levels have decreased over the years, but a small percenrage of children still have elevated lead levels, greater than or equal to 10 micrograms per deciliter.

Effects

• Elevated lead levels equal to or greater than 25 micrograms per deciliter can cause kidney, blood and nervous system damage.
  When levels are higher, death can occur, preceded by coma and seizures.

  Ten micrograms equals about 1/2 cup. However, there is no safe lead level that has been determined, and impaired learning in children results in elevated lead levels above 10 micrograms per deciliter.

Prevention/Solution

• Know the signs and symptoms of elevated lead levels in the bloodstream. Have the soil in and around your home tested. If you purchase an older home, have older pipes removed and deteriorating paint replaced by a professional.

  Symptoms in children to beware of are non-specific but include learning disabilities, irritability, constipation, anemia, abdominal pain, loss of appetite, sluggishness and weight loss. Numbness and tingling in the hands, mood disorders, memory loss, abdominal pain and muscular weakness might indicate elevated lead levels in adults.

  See your doctor if you suspect you have elevated lead levels in your bloodstream. Your physician can obtain a blood test to see if you or your child's health is at risk.