Can adults get lead poisoning?
Most adults are not at risk, unless they work with lead in some capacity. Adults with lead poisoning can suffer from damage to the nervous system, reproductive system, digestive system, and kidneys. If you have questions about occupational lead exposure, make sure to call the California Occupational Lead Poisoning Prevention Program at (510) 620-5757 or (866) 627-1587 for more information. Some of the types of work that might expose an adult to lead would include working in the construction industry, doing painting and carpentry on older homes, working on automobiles (especially in radiator shops), working in a foundry or in metal casting, or working in plating operations. These are just a few examples of occupations which might expose workers to lead. Adults who work with or around lead can unknowingly bring lead dust home on their work clothes and shoes. This can cause their children to be exposed to lead.
Yes, but the amount of lead that would have to be ingested or inhaled by an adult or older child is much greater than that needed to cause damage to a child under age six. Generally, most adults are not at risk, unless they work with lead in some capacity. Some of the types of work that might expose an adult to lead would include working in lead smelting and refining, battery manufacturing, the construction industry, doing painting and carpentry on older homes. These are just a few examples of occupations which might expose workers to lead. Pregnant women are at risk. Lead can pass through the placenta and harm a prenatal child. Elevated blood lead levels in pregnant women can lead to an increased risk of miscarriage, stillbirth or low birth weight.
