College of Nursing

Overview of Lead

cLead and lead exposure is a major public health risk. Lead affects nearly 900,000 young children at a cost of 42 billion dollars annually. Fewer than 1 in 7 children age 6 and under are actually screened for lead exposure (Environmental Work Group, 2010). Current evidence shows significant neurological damage and conduct disorders in children with much lower levels of lead than 5mcg/dl (CDC, 2015).

Complications of lead poisoning:
    • Behavior and attention problems (such as ADHD)
    • Problems in school
    • Hearing problems
    • Kidney damage
    • High blood pressure
    • Reduced IQ
    • Slowed body growth

Sources

Prevention

Signs and Symptoms

Suspected Elevated Lead Level: What Next?

Confirmed Elevated Lead Level: What Next?

Last Updated: 7/15/24