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Health Effects of Lead Exposure

Summary

Protecting children from exposure to lead is important to lifelong good health. No safe blood lead level in children has been identified. Even low levels of lead in blood have been shown to negatively affect a child’s intelligence, ability to pay attention, and academic achievement. While the effects of lead poisoning may be permanent, if caught early, there are things parents can do [PDF – 234 KB] to prevent further exposure and reduce damage to their child’s health.

Lead exposure occurs when a child comes in contact with lead by touching, swallowing, or breathing in lead or lead dust.

 

Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2022). Health effects of lead.