Symptoms of Lead Exposure

Key Points

Many children with lead poisoning have no symptoms.
Even low levels of lead in the blood can lead to learning and behavioral problems.
Getting your child tested is the best way to identify lead poisoning.
Lead exposure symptoms can vary in children for many reasons, including the child's age and the source of lead exposure.

General Symptoms

Many children with lead poisoning have no symptoms. Symptoms of lead exposure in children include:

Loss of appetite
Poor growth
Feeling constantly tired or irritable
Persistent nausea and vomiting
Constipation
Stomach pain
Joint pain and muscle weakness
Headaches

High lead levels can cause confusion, seizures, coma, and death.

Age-Specific Symptoms

Lead exposure symptoms can vary based on a child's age. Younger children might show different signs than older children.

Infants and Toddlers (0-2 years):

Developmental Delays

Lead exposure in infants may lead to delays in reaching developmental milestones, such as sitting up, crawling, or walking.

Feeding Difficulties

Infants might experience difficulties with feeding, including problems with sucking or swallowing.

Preschoolers (3-6 years):

Speech and Language Issues

Lead exposure can contribute to delays in speech and language development, affecting the child's ability to communicate effectively.

Hyperactivity

Some preschoolers may exhibit increased levels of hyperactivity and have difficulty concentrating.

Reduced IQ

Long-term exposure during this critical developmental stage may result in a lower IQ.

Regular Check-Ups

Schedule regular check-ups for your child, even if they seem healthy. Routine blood tests can detect lead levels before symptoms show.

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