Baby Articles > Effects of Lead Poisoning in Infants

Effects of Lead Poisoning in Infants

There has been countless news stories lately about toys being recalled because they are made with lead based paints. This latest concern is quite valid because the health risks associated with lead poisoning are quite serious.

Babies and children are especially susceptible to lead poisoning because of their habit of putting objects into their mouths. Since their bodies are so little it is more easily absorbed into their growing nervous systems. The lead accumulates gradually and you may not notice symptoms until the lead has built up to dangerous levels. Lead poisoning can cause permanent damage with the greatest risk being damage to the brain. Death by lead poisoning is very rare, yet has occured.

Health problems accociated with lead poisoning:

• nervous system and kidney damage
• poor muscle coordination
• speech, language and behavior problems
• learrning disabilities
• decreased muscle and bone growth
• hearing damage

Symptoms of lead poisoning in babies and children may include:

• irritability
• weight loss
• loss of appetite
• abdominal pain
• sluggishness
• constipation
• vomiting

Since these symptoms are nonspecific the best way to test a child for lead levels is to have a blood test issued by your pediatritian. Any chipping paint in a house built before 1960 should also be tested for lead. A test can be bought at your local hardware store.

To check if any of your baby's toys have been recalled due to lead paint, please frequently check this website: http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/category/toy.html