What are the health effects from exposure to lead?
Lead is a toxic metal that can cause health effects in both adults and children. Infants and children under 6 years old are at the greatest risk of health problems due to lead poisoning. In children, lead can harm the brain and nervous system, causing learning problems and lowered intelligence quotients (IQs). Lead can also harm a developing fetus, so it is important for pregnant women to avoid lead exposure. Adults exposed to lead may experience health effects such as reproductive problems, high blood pressure, artherosclerosis (ah-thuh-roh-skluh-ROH-suhss), muscle and joint pain, problems with memory or concentration, and decreased cognitive function. Lead is stored in the body in bone. Osteoporosis (oss-tee-oh-puh-RO-sis) causes bones to break down, releasing lead into the blood. After menopause, women are more likely to lose bone mass, increasing the risk of lead exposure. Women who were exposed to high levels of lead earlier in their lives are especially at risk. Lead is dangerous
