Table of Contents
Are adults at risk for lead poisoning?
Both children and adults are susceptible to health effects from lead exposure, although the typical exposure pathways and effects can be somewhat different.
Who is most affected by lead-based paint?
Children six years old
Children six years old and under are most at risk from exposure lead-based paint because they crawl on the floor and they put their hands and other items which can have lead-based paint dust on them into their mouths. Because their bodies are still growing, children tend to absorb more lead than adults.
What age group is most susceptible to the effects of lead paint?
Children under the age of 6 are at greatest risk for health problems caused by lead exposure. The health effects of lead exposure are more harmful to younger children than older children and adults because their bodies are still developing, and they are growing so rapidly.
How long does it take for lead levels to decrease in adults?
Once in the body, lead travels in the blood to soft tissues such as the liver, kidneys, lungs, brain, spleen, muscles, and heart. The half-life of lead varies from about a month in blood, 1-1.5 months in soft tissue, and about 25-30 years in bone (ATSDR 2007).
What happens if I’m exposed to lead paint?
Exposure to high levels of lead may cause anemia, weakness, and kidney and brain damage. Very high lead exposure can cause death. Lead can cross the placental barrier, which means pregnant women who are exposed to lead also expose their unborn child.
What happens if you live in a house with lead?
Lead Paint Risks Lead can cause damage to the brain and other vital organs, as well as behavioral problems, learning disabilities, seizures, and even death. Young children and pregnant women, in particular, are at risk, but people (and animals) of any age can experience lead-caused health problems.
Is it OK to live in a house with lead-based paint?
IF YOUR HOUSE OR APARTMENT WAS BUILT BEFORE 1978, lead paint may be a con- cern. If you rent and have peeling, chipping paint, you should contact your landlord about repairing the painted surfaces. An EPA certified worker should do the work. LEAD DUST is responsible for most cases of lead poisoning.
Is lead poisoning reversible in adults?
Management and Treatment The effects of lead poisoning aren’t reversible. But you can reduce blood lead levels and prevent further exposure by finding and removing the sources of lead from your child’s home or environment.
How do they test for lead poisoning in adults?
A simple blood test can detect lead poisoning. A small blood sample is taken from a finger prick or from a vein. Lead levels in the blood are measured in micrograms per deciliter (mcg/dL).