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Home > The Lead Problem
The Lead Problem
Lead poisoning is a serious but preventable health problem that can cause permanent damage, especially to unborn babies and children under six years old. Lead affects virtually every system in the body. It is particularly harmful to the developing brain and nervous system of young children.
While no amount of lead in the body is safe, the effects of lead depend upon the level of lead in the blood. In children, very high levels can cause deafness, blindness, coma, convulsions, and even death. Moderate levels, too, can harm the brain and nervous system, kidneys, and liver. Even very low levels, which may not cause any obvious symptoms, are associated with decreased intelligence, behavioral problems, decreased growth, impaired hearing, and decreased ability to maintain a steady posture.
These problems remain long after childhood. In comparison with children who have not been exposed to lead, children who have been exposed are much more likely to have problems with reading, vocabulary, attention, fine-motor coordination, school attendance, and academic achievement. They are more likely to drop out of high school.
Lead can also damage adults. It can cause problems with reproduction, blood pressure, digestion, the nervous system, memory and concentration, and muscles and joints.
Sources of lead
The most common source of lead poisoning in New England is lead-based paint, which was used in homes until 1978. Houses built before 1950 may contain paint that has a very high percentage of lead. Children who live in or frequently visit older housing may breathe in or swallow paint dust or may swallow paint chips from deteriorating paint. Repair or renovation activities that disturb lead-based paint can create dangerous lead dust.
Lead may also be found in the air, water, and soil:
- Lead can get into the air from lead-related industries, such as smelting, battery manufacturing, and radiator repair, and from the burning of lead-painted items.
- Lead can enter household water from old pipes and solder.
- Lead may have entered the soil from leaded gasoline, industrial sources, and old, deteriorated exterior paint.
Click for additional information from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency about lead in New England
Resources
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According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, some 340,000 children in the United States have elevated levels of lead in their blood.
Even children who seem healthy may have high levels of lead in their blood. |
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