Consumer Health Minute: Health Effects of Lead

Posted by Carolyn Martin on April 9th, 2026 Posted in: Consumer Health, Consumer Health Minute
Tags: children's health, consumer health, health information

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Lead is a naturally occurring metal but one that can cause devastating health effects, especially in children.

What are the health effects?

• Learning disorders and behavioral problems
• Greater risk of miscarriage
• High blood pressure
• Nervous system damage
• Brain damage of fetus
• Muscle and joint pain

These are just a few of the many health effects due to exposure to lead.

How are people exposed to lead?

• Living in older buildings where lead paint and lead pipes (for drinking water) are still in place
• Working in some jobs such as building demolition or cleanup where lead may have been used
• Manufacturing where products may contain lead
• Walking through soil near airports and highways and tracking it in the home
• Some imported foods, dishes, and toys may contain lead
• A hobby involving soldering or casting such as fishing weights and stained glass

How do you know if you or someone in your household have been exposed?

• Check with your state or county health department. They can offer advice on what to do.
• Talk to your family doctor about your concerns and whether a blood test needs to be done. A blood test is the only way to know. This is especially important if you have children who are at the greatest risk of lead poisoning.

Resources

Here are some additional resources to provide your community with information regarding lead and its harmful effects.

MedlinePlus – Lead Poisoning

Start with this health topic in MedlinePlus. It includes links to general overviews, diagnosis, and prevention and risk factors. MedlinePlus is a consumer health resource with vetted links to quality health information from the National Library of Medicine.

CDC – Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention
The CDC does a comprehensive job covering all aspects of lead poisoning regarding children for the public, health care providers, and public health professionals.

EPA – Learn About Lead

Most people will find this information covers their information needs regarding lead and health. Additionally, the Environmental Protection Agency includes a very comprehensive list of topics related to lead that goes beyond basic health information. Organizations, community leaders, health professionals, and others may have an interest in this level of information.

NIH NIEHS – Health & Education Environmental Health Topics – Lead

The National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences provides educational environmental health information on a number of topics including lead. The information is broken down into sections such as how lead gets into the body, how it affects children and adults, how to prevent exposure and more.