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Lead poisoning is the result of increased blood lead levels and it occurs most often in children below the age of twelve. Kids may get lead in their blood from eating contaminated soil or by ingesting lead paint chips or dust, which may be found in older homes. It is possible for lead to be in water that runs through pipes that contain lead residues. Lead has no known biological role in the body, instead it mimics other important minerals in the body (calcium, iron, zinc) and doesn't allow them to function properly.
Symptoms of lead poisoning include the following: nausea, abdominal pain, irritability, insomnia, excess lethargy or hyperactivity, headache, and gastrointestinal problems. If you suspect elevated blood levels, you or your child's blood lead level should be tested so that options for treatment may be explored. (Source-Wikipedia)
Useful Links:
PA Department of Health's website on lead poisoning prevention.
The Department of Health's site on preventing lead poisoning, specifically in children.
Environmental Fact Sheet by the Department of Health on lead.
The Environmental Protection Agency's site on lead.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s site on lead.
CDC's site for preventing lead poisoning in children.
Oregon's site on children and lead, which provides helpful general information.
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