From the Guidelines
Slightly elevated lead levels in bloodwork can result from various environmental and occupational exposures, and the most common sources include old lead-based paint, contaminated drinking water, certain occupations, and hobbies involving lead, as identified in the 2016 study by the American Academy of Pediatrics 1.
Common Sources of Lead Exposure
- Old lead-based paint in homes built before 1978
- Contaminated drinking water from lead pipes or solder
- Certain occupations like construction, battery manufacturing, or auto repair
- Hobbies involving lead such as stained glass making or shooting at firing ranges
- Contaminated soil near industrial sites
- Certain imported foods, spices, or candies
- Traditional medicines or cosmetics from other countries
- Lead-glazed pottery used for cooking or storing food According to the 2016 study by the American Academy of Pediatrics 1, water is an important but often overlooked source of exposure for children, especially for infants who are formula fed.
Reducing Lead Exposure
To reduce lead exposure, it is essential to identify and eliminate the source of exposure, maintain good hygiene by washing hands frequently, ensure adequate calcium and iron intake as these nutrients can reduce lead absorption, and follow healthcare provider's recommendations for monitoring and treatment, as recommended in the 2016 study by the American Academy of Pediatrics 1.
Health Risks of Lead Exposure
Lead is particularly harmful because it accumulates in the body over time, affecting multiple organ systems, especially the nervous system, and can cause long-term health problems even at low levels, as stated in the 2016 study by the American Academy of Pediatrics 1. Children are especially vulnerable to lead's toxic effects due to their developing brains and higher absorption rates.
Prevention and Treatment
Primary prevention, reducing or eliminating the sources of lead in the environment of children before exposure occurs, is the most reliable and cost-effective measure to protect children from lead toxicity, as recommended in the 2016 study by the American Academy of Pediatrics 1. No effective treatments ameliorate the permanent developmental effects of lead toxicity, highlighting the importance of prevention and early intervention, as stated in the 2016 study by the American Academy of Pediatrics 1.
From the Research
Sources of Slightly Elevated Lead on Bloodwork
- Lead exposure can come from various sources, including contaminated water, soil, and old housing with lead-based paint 2, 3, 4, 5, 6
- Children living in deteriorating inner-city housing are at higher risk of lead exposure due to lead-based paint and contaminated soil 5
- Lead poisoning can occur through ingestion or inhalation of lead particles, and can cause cognitive impairment, behavioral problems, and other health issues 2, 3, 4, 5, 6
- Blood lead levels can be reduced through chelation therapy with succimer, an oral lead chelator 2, 3, 4, 5, 6
- However, studies have shown that chelation therapy may not improve cognitive or behavioral outcomes in children with slightly elevated blood lead levels 5
Common Sources of Lead Exposure
- Contaminated water 3, 4
- Old housing with lead-based paint 5, 6
- Contaminated soil 5
- Ingestion or inhalation of lead particles 2, 3, 4, 5, 6