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Lead Poisoning Symptoms in Toddlers

Lead poisoning is a serious medical condition that is caused by an increase in the level of lead in the bloodstream. In recent years, there has been a greater awareness of this issue, and many of the risk factors of getting lead poisoning are not as prevalent as they once were. However, due to the damage that lead poisoning can do to children in particular, lead poisoning in toddlers it is still a serious concern.

  1. Symptoms

    • Lead poisoning symptoms can include difficulty sleeping, aggressive behavior, attention problems, headaches, irritability, reduced sensations, vomiting, low appetite, constipation, low energy, anemia, abdominal pain and cramping, convulsions or a loss of previous developmental skills. However, it is important to note that there sometimes can be no symptoms at all, especially if the lead levels in the blood are low enough.

    Health Consequences

    • Some health consequences of a toddler having lead in his blood include hyperactivity, aggression, behavior problems, impaired hearing, kidney damage, loss of developmental skills and stunted growth. If the level of lead in the blood is high enough, consequences become more severe and may include mental retardation, a coma or death.

    Risk Factors

    • Perhaps the most important risk factor of lead poisoning in toddlers is exposure to lead-based paint and older homes. Any home that was built before 1978 may contain lead-based paint and is cause for concern, and older homes may also have lead pipes that contaminate the water supply. It is important to consider not only the home in which the toddler resides, but also the homes of his friends, family members, babysitters and childcare providers. Toddlers typically are at the greatest risk of getting lead poisoning between the ages of 1 and 2.

    Treatment

    • If a toddler is tested and does have lead in her blood, the most common recommendation is to find out where the lead is coming from and remove it. Once the toddler is no longer exposed to the lead, her body will naturally remove the lead from the blood on its own and no formal treatment will be necessary. However, if the level of lead in the blood is high, chelation therapy may be recommended. This treatment may be done orally and at home, but also may require IV treatment and hospitalization depending on the severity and specifics of the case.

    Prevention

    • There are some simple things that can be done to prevent lead poisoning in toddlers. First, check all house paint. Paint that was made before 1978 most likely will contain lead and will need to be removed. (Call 800-LEAD-FYI for safe removal.) Second, get rid of any painted toys or objects that are older and may contain lead. Also, prevent toddlers from chewing on any painted toys or objects, regardless of whether they are new or not. Third, take precautions when it comes to tap water. Letting the water run for a minute is efficient for most tap water that tests low in lead, but it is a better idea to consider getting a water filter for tap water that tests high in lead. Fourth, make sure your toddler has proper nutrition. It is easier for a healthy body to eliminate lead and not to absorb it into the bloodstream. Finally, simple things like keeping homes as free from dust as possible and washing hands before every meal can prevent lead poisoning as well.

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