It is important to understand that the symptoms of lead poisoning can be very subtle and you may not realize that your child is being profoundly damaged. As with all brain and neurological damage, the full impact of lead poisoning can only be truly understood after testing by a neuropsychologist. When your child starts to experience the symptoms below, it is imperative that you obtain a medical and neuropsychological assessment promptly. Click here for guidance on when to seek medical care.

According to a study published in the New England Journal of Medicine in 1990:

"The persistence toxity of lead was seen to result in signifiant and serious impairment of academic success, specifically a seven fold increase in failure to graduate from high school, lower class standing, greater absenteeism, impairment of reading skills sufficiently extensive to be labeled reading disability (indicated by scores two grades below the expected scores), and deficits in vocabulary, fine motor skills, reaction time and hand-eye coordination."

SYMPTOMS OF LEAD POISONING Headaches Irritability Abdominal Pain Vomiting Anemia Weight Loss Poor Attention Span Noticeable Learning Difficulty Slowed Speech Development Hyperactivity EFFECTS OF LEAD POISONING Reading and Learning Disabilities Speech and Language Handicaps Lowered I.Q. Neurological Deficits Behavior Problems Mental Retardation Kidney Disease Heart Disease Stroke Death

Symptoms and effects of lead poisoning

Within the human body, lead damages the nervous system, circulatory and blood forming system,reproductive system, kidneys, and gastro-intestinal tract. In adults lead poisoning can cause various
symptoms, including fatigue, loss of appetite, stomach disorders, forgetfulness, headaches,
insomnia, irritability, hypertension, anemia, reduced desire for sex, impotence, dizziness, and
weakness in the extremities.

It is much more serious when children are exposed to lead. Since the brain has not yet completely
developed, lead poisoning can cause learning disabilities, attention deficit disorders, lowered IQ,
and anti-social behavior. Elevated levels of lead sustained over a period of time, can damage the
central nervous system of children and adversely impact their development.

The hazards of exposure to lead have been known for many centuries, and lead poisoning is
completely preventable.

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