Health effects from lead absorption
Lead particles can be inhaled through dust or fumes or swallowed through eating contaminated food or smoking with contaminated fingers. Untreated lead poisoning in adults, children and pets can be fatal. Often pets are the first to show signs of lead poisoning.
Lead poisoning symptoms
What to do if you suspect lead poisoning
Who is at risk?
Lead poisoning symptoms
Common symptoms of lead poisoning are:
- loss of appetite
- constipation
- diarrhoea
- loss of weight
- severe abdominal pains
- muscle weakness
- limb paralysis
- headaches
- tiredness
- irritability.
Continued exposure or high levels of exposure can cause:
- anaemia
- kidney damage
- nerve and brain damage.
What to do if you suspect lead poisoning
Consult a doctor immediately if lead poisoning is suspected.
The doctor should order a blood test to determine if lead has been absorbed.
Who is at risk?
- anyone visiting the workplace (workers, employers, customers, maintenance workers)
- anyone removing lead-based paint
- people in premises neighbouring the workplace
- family members exposed to lead carried home on the clothing of a worker, employer or self-employed person
- children, pregnant and breastfeeding women.
Lead exposure during pregnancy is of particular concern because it can cross the placenta and at low levels has been shown to be harmful to the foetus, affecting the baby's nervous system. Children are also at risk because even the low amounts of lead that are absorbed by a child can result in a reduction of the child’s intellectual development.
Last updated 21 August 2008
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