Health Effects of Lead

Exposure to low levels of lead can permanently affect children. In low levels, lead can cause the following:

• Nervous system and kidney damage
• Learning disabilities, attention deficit disorder, and decreased intelligence
• Speech, language, and behavior problems
• Poor muscle coordination
• Decreased muscle and bone growth
• Hearing damage

High levels of lead can have devastating effects on children, including seizures, unconsciousness and, in some cases death. Exposure to high lead levels is dangerous to adults and can cause the following:

• Increased chance of illness during pregnancy
• Harm to fetus, including brain damage and death
• Fertility problems (in men and women)
• High Blood Pressure
• Digestive problems
• Nerve disorders
• Memory and concentration problems
• Muscle and joint pain