What happens if you eat lead

A person who eats a balanced, nutritious diet may absorb less lead than someone with a poor diet. Chelation therapy. If removing the lead source and getting good nutrition don't work, or if lead levels are very high, you may need to take chelating medicines.

These medicines bind to lead in the body and help remove it. If blood lead levels don't come down with treatment, home and work areas may need to be rechecked. Call your local health unit or provincial ministry health to see what inspection services are offered in your area. The best way to avoid lead poisoning is to prevent it. Treatment cannot reverse any damage that has already occurred. But there are many ways to reduce your exposure—and your child's—before it causes symptoms.

Author: Healthwise Staff. This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information.

Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. Learn how we develop our content. To learn more about Healthwise, visit Healthwise. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated. British Columbia Specific Information While exposure to high levels of lead can cause lead poisoning, even low levels of exposure to lead can be harmful for children's health and development.

Top of the page. Topic Overview What is lead poisoning? What causes lead poisoning? Who is at highest risk of lead poisoning? Children at highest risk include those who: Live in or regularly visit homes or buildings built before These buildings may have lead-based paint. The risk is even higher in buildings built before , when lead-based paint was more commonly used. Are immigrants, refugees, or adoptees from other countries.

Are 6 years old or younger. Young children are at higher risk because: They often put their hands and objects in their mouths. They sometimes swallow non-food items. Their bodies absorb lead at a higher rate. Their brains are developing quickly. Others at risk for lead poisoning include people who: Drink water that flows through pipes that were soldered with lead.

Work with lead either in their job or as a hobby for example, metal smelters, pottery makers, and stained glass artists. If you are pregnant and think you have been exposed to lead or were exposed in the past, talk to your doctor about getting a blood test to check lead levels. The most common way that kids get lead poisoning is from lead-based paint in older homes.

Lead paint was banned in the United states in the late s. Gasoline also contained lead, which was released into the air in car exhaust. Kids are exposed to lead from chipping paint; house dust; and contaminated soil around older homes, streets, airports, and industrial areas.

Many children with lead poisoning have no symptoms. But even low-level lead exposure can lead to learning and behavior problems, like trouble paying attention. Symptoms of lead poisoning include:. A simple blood test can diagnose lead poisoning.

Lead testing is also recommended for kids who live in an older home or whose parent has a hobby or job that involves being around lead. Any child who might have been exposed to lead should get tested.

The most important part of treatment is preventing more exposure to lead. The doctor will ask about the home to try to identify possible sources of lead. If a child has lead poisoning, all siblings should be tested. Calcium , iron , and vitamin C are important parts of a healthy diet and also help decrease how much lead the body absorbs. Kids with high lead levels and symptoms of lead poisoning may need care in a hospital to get a medicine called a chelator KEE-lay-ter.

This content does not have an English version. This content does not have an Arabic version. Overview Lead poisoning occurs when lead builds up in the body, often over months or years. Request an Appointment at Mayo Clinic.

More Information Preventing lead exposure. Share on: Facebook Twitter. Show references Lowry JA. Childhood lead poisoning: Clinical manifestations and diagnosis. Accessed Sept. Lead: Prevention tips. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Chelation therapy. Rochester, Minn. Lowry JA. Childhood lead poisoning: Management. Prevention of childhood lead toxicity.

Lead poisoning and health.