How Dangerous Is Lead to Your Health?

Although lead is a naturally occurring element that was used in homes constructed before 1978, studies have shown that it can cause many physical and mental health effects in both children and adults. At Zona Restoration, we want to educate our customers on the severity of this dangerous substance. According to the CDC, those with prolonged exposure to lead are at an increased risk for high blood pressure, heart disease, kidney disease, and other illnesses. Keep reading to learn more about the high-risk effects of lead.

How Is Lead Absorbed?

Lead can be taken into the body by breathing it in, swallowing it, or absorbing it through the skin. Once it enters the body, lead is stored in the bones, blood, and tissues. While it doesn’t remain there permanently, it is continually released into the body, exposing individuals to its harmful physical and mental health effects.

What Are the Health Effects of Lead Exposure?

Lead has both short-term and long-term effects on a person’s health.

Short-term effects include:

Abdominal pain and constipation
Fatigue and headaches
Irritability
Loss of appetite
Memory loss
Pain or tingling in the hands and feet

Long-term effects include:

Constant nausea and sickness
Abdominal pain and constipation
Depression and irritability

High levels of lead exposure can also cause kidney and brain damage, and possibly lead to death.

Does Lead Affect Children More Than Adults?

Lead can cause more harmful effects in children than in adults. This dangerous substance has been found to cause learning disabilities, hearing loss, and impairment of the developing brain and nervous system. Lead can also cross the placental barrier, exposing unborn children to dangerously high levels of this toxic substance. Even low levels of lead exposure in women have been found to cause miscarriages, stillbirths, and infertility.