How are People Poisoned by Lead and What Happens?
Lead enters the bloodstream and accumulates in organs (especially the liver, kidneys and brain), tissues, bones and teeth. Prolonged and repeated exposure increases the levels of lead in the body. The human body absorbs and expels lead very slowly, it is a cumulative poisoning as it can take from weeks to years for the body to expel lead after exposure. Symptoms and the damage done by lead poisoning differ in adults and children. Children absorb lead more easily than adults so are at a greater risk. People who work with lead should be aware that they can bring lead dust into their homes on their clothes.
