Who should be tested for Lead poisoning and elevated levels?
Children
Ages 0-6 Years: Universal screening is recommended in areas with high lead exposure risk. In other areas, targeted screening is done based on risk factors.
Children Living in Older Homes: Homes built before 1978 may contain lead-based paint, and children in these homes are at higher risk.
Children in Low-Income Households: Children in low-income families are more likely to live in older, potentially hazardous housing.
Children with a History of Lead Exposure: This includes children who have lived in or visited homes built before 1978, or those who have siblings or playmates with lead poisoning.
Children in Immigrant, Refugee, or Adopted Families: These children might have been exposed to lead in countries where lead regulations are less strict.
Any child under the age of six that regularly eats, or is exposed to spices from outside the U.S.
Pregnant Women
Women who are at risk of lead exposure (e.g., living in an older home, working with lead, or using lead-containing products) should be tested, as lead can harm the developing fetus.
Adults
Occupational Exposure Adults who work in industries where lead is present (e.g., construction, painting, battery manufacturing) should be tested regularly.
Hobbies Involving Lead: People who engage in hobbies that use lead, such as stained glass making, shooting ranges, or using lead-based products, should consider testing.
Other
People Living in High-Risk Areas: Testing is recommended for anyone living in communities with known lead contamination in water, soil, or air.
It is best to test.
How Are Lead Test Performed?
A finger-prick or heel-prick (capillary) test. A capillary test is usually the first step to determine if a child has Lead in their blood. Finger-prick tests can provide fast results. However, they also can produce higher results if lead on the skin is captured in the sample. If the results are above CDC’s blood lead reference value it may be followed by a second test to confirm.
A venous blood draw sample. Takes blood from the child’s vein. This type of test can take a few days to receive results. It is often used to confirm blood lead levels seen in the first capillary test.
Why Is It Important To Test?
Answer: The Effects on the Blood-Brain Barrier. There are some substances that can penetrate the Blood-Brain Barrier and cause irreparable damage to the central nervous system. Lead is one such substance. Not only does it break through the BBB, but it also increases its permeability, thus leaving the brain vulnerable to other toxic substances.
When the BBB is exposed to high levels of lead concentration, fluid can accumulate and cause cerebral edema. This leads to extreme intracranial pressure, which can result in encephalopathy and irreversible brain damage. It also affects visual-motor reasoning skills, causes deficits in attention and cognitive ability, and promotes brain cell death. The effects of having too much lead in the blood cannot be reversed.
Symptoms of Lead Poisoning
In Children
Developmental delay: Learning difficulties, slower growth.
Irritability: Unusual behavior or emotional changes.
Loss of appetite: Reduced desire to eat.
Weight loss: Unintentional weight loss due to poor appetite.
Fatigue: Feeling tired or lethargic.
Abdominal pain: Stomach aches or cramps.
Vomiting: Frequent nausea or vomiting.
Hearing loss: Difficulty in hearing or processing sounds.
Constipation: Difficulty in bowel movements.
Seizures: In severe cases, seizures, or loss of consciousness
Chronic Exposure
Kidney damage: Long-term exposure can affect kidney function.
Nerve damage: Peripheral neuropathy, leading to weakness or
numbness in the limbs.
Anemia: Reduced red blood cells, causing fatigue and weakness.
In Adults
High blood pressure: Hypertension that may be difficult to control.
Joint and muscle pain: General aches or stiffness.
Difficulties with memory or concentration: Cognitive impairments.
Headaches: Persistent or recurrent headaches.
Abdominal pain: Similar to children, stomach discomfort.
Mood disorders: Depression, irritability, or mood swings.
Reduced sperm count or abnormal sperm: Reproductive issues in men.
Miscarriage or premature birth: In women who are pregnant.
Professions/Jobs associated with Lead Exposure
- Painter
- Builder Renovator
- Auto Mechanic
- Demolition Worker
- Battery Manufacturing Worker
- Metal Production Worker
- Metal Scrap Cutting / Recycling Worker
- Plumber
- Welder
- Ceramic Worker
- Gun Range Worker
- Sand Blasting Operator
- Car Restoration
- Visiting Gun Range
- Ceramics(pottery making)
- Home Remodeling, Renovation, Repair, Painting
- Consuming, Selling, Making alternative cosmetics/ ceremonial powders.
- Hobbies associated with Lead Exposure: Casting / Soldering (Bullets, Fishing Weights, Stained glass, Smelting)