Lead Poisoning Health Article

Acute lead poisoning

Acute lead poisoning, while less common, shows up more quickly and can be fatal. Symptoms such as the following may occur:

• severe abdominal pain
• diarrhea
• nausea and vomiting
• weakness of the limbs
• seizures
• coma

When to call the doctor

The CDC recommends testing all children at 12 months of age and, if possible, again at 24 months. Testing should start at six months for children at risk for lead poisoning.

Diagnosis

A high level of lead in the blood can be detected with a simple blood test. In fact, testing is the only way to know for sure if children without symptoms have been exposed to lead, since they can appear healthy even as long-term damage occurs. Based on test results and a child's risk factors, the doctor will then decide whether further testing is needed and how often. In some states, more frequent testing is required by law.

Children at risk

Children with an increased risk of lead poisoning include those for whom the following is true:

• They live in or regularly visit a house built before 1978 in which chipped or peeling paint is present.
• They live in or regularly visit a house that was built before 1978 where remodeling is planned or underway.
• They have a brother or sister, housemate, or playmate who has been diagnosed with lead poisoning.
• They have the habit of eating dirt or have been diagnosed with pica.
• They live with an adult whose job or hobby involves exposure to lead.
• They live near an active lead smelter, battery-recycling plant, or other industry that can create lead pollution.

Adults at risk

Testing is also important for adults whose job or hobby puts them at risk for lead poisoning. This need applies to people who take part in the following activities:

• glazed pottery or stained glass production
• furniture refinishing
• home renovation
• target shooting at indoor firing ranges
• battery reclamation
• precious metal refining
• radiator repair
• art restoration