Lead exposure continues to be an environmental health problem for millions of households in the United States. Infants and children are considered among the most vulnerable when it comes to lead poisoning, and no level of lead is considered safe for this group. Even low levels of lead over time can affect a child's development and result in learning and behavior problems.
In addition to infants and children, those who are pregnant also are at risk of additional complications with lead exposure. The likelihood of a spontaneous abortion increases with exposure to high levels of lead, and there may be a risk of preterm delivery and low birth weight. Lead exposure pre- and postnatally also has been shown to influence neurobehavioral development in children.
Risk Factors for Lead Poisoning
Certain living conditions or items in the home may increase the possibility of exposure to lead. For example, lead-based paint wasn’t banned in the United States until 1978, increasing the risk of exposure for those living in a home or apartment built before this time. Buildings constructed prior to 1986 also are more likely to have lead pipes or fixtures, which may result in higher lead levels in drinking water.
Other exposures may be more easily controlled. Some traditional products such as ba-baw-san (a Chinese herbal remedy), greta and arzarcon (a traditional medicine used in Latin America) and kajal or kohl (an eye product used throughout Africa and the Middle East) contain high levels of lead. An increased risk is also associated with imported candies and antique or vintage glassware, ceramics and silverware.
Nutrition Considerations
While there has been a lack of research relating to nutrition interventions in treating lead poisoning, consuming adequate amounts of certain nutrients through food is recommended by both the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). This includes calcium, iron and vitamin C.
For children with a lead level of less than 5 micrograms/deciliter (mcg/dL), screening for risk of iron deficiency is indicated. For children with a lead level of 5 to 14 mcg/dL, fruit is recommended with every meal along with dietary sources of iron. Nutrition counseling also is recommended for the caregivers with a focus on iron, calcium and vitamin D sources; referrals to services such as the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) are provided, if appropriate.
The CDC's recommended actions are based largely on lead levels in children and are derived from a resource developed for clinicians. While no level is considered safe for children, individuals with blood lead levels at 3.5 micrograms or higher are at high risk of complications, per the CDC.
Primary interventions for lead poisoning include eliminating and avoiding exposure to lead. Hand hygiene also is important in reducing lead exposure, and frequent handwashing is recommended. However, for individuals with lead already detected in their blood, further intervention is needed.
References
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). About Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention. Accessed May 28, 2024.
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Guidelines for the Identification and Management of Lead Exposure in Pregnant and Lactating Women. December 1, 2021. Accessed May 28, 2024.
- Environmental Protection Agency. Actions to Reduce Potential Lead Exposure. Updated May 6, 2024. Accessed May 28, 2024.
- Environmental Protection Agency. Fight Lead Poisoning with a Healthy Diet: Lead Poisoning Prevention Tips for Families. Accessed May 28, 2024.
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