Public Health > Children's Medical Services > Lead Program

Lead Poisoning

Risk Factors
Those at greatest risk of lead poisoning are children 6 months through 5 years of age, pregnant women and their unborn children, those who work with lead, and those who live in homes built before 1978 which may have lead paint.

Symptoms of Lead Poisoning
Nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, tiredness, muscle weakness, and irritability are symptoms of lead poisoning. However many people with lead poisoning have no symptoms.

Effects of Lead Poisoning
Lead poisoning can cause diminished intelligence, including loss of IQ points, developmental delays, kidney and liver damage, reproductive problems, seizures, and death. It takes a very small amount of lead to cause decreased IQ.

Preventing Lead Poisoning
Frequent handwashing, washing toys, walls, and floors, removing sources of lead, eating a diet high in iron, calcium, and vitamin C, and eating frequent snacks can all help prevent lead poisoning.

 • Simple Steps to Protect Your Children From Lead (PDF)
 • Lead Safe Painting, Repair and Home Improvement from New England Lead Coordinating Committee
• Lead Poisoning and Pregnancy - How unborn babies can be exposed to lead