Lead poisoning is dangerous as there is no unique signs or symptoms. Here are a few early symptoms or signs that shouldn’t completely worry you but prompt you to see a doctor if they become a problem in your day-to-day activities.
- Persistent fatigue
- Irritability
- Loss of appetite
- Stomach discomfort and constipation
- Reduced attention span
- Insomnia
As you can see these symptoms could simply mean something a lot less serious than lead poisoning. So if you find yourself saying “oh my god, I have that”, don’t jump to conclusions just yet. If any one of these symptoms becomes a problem in your day-to-day activities, you should check with a doctor just to be safe.
Failure to treat lead poisoning in the early stages will cause long-term health damage. These damages vary from adult to child:
Adult
- Poor muscle coordination
- Nerve damage to the sense organs and nerves controlling the body
- Increased blood pressure
- Hearing and vision impairment
- Reproductive problems (e.g., decreased sperm count)
- Retarded fetal development even at relatively low exposure levels
Child
- Damage to the brain and nervous system
- Behavioral problems
- Anemia
- Liver and kidney damage
- Hearing loss
- Hyperactivity
- Developmental delays
- In extreme cases, death
Unfortunately, lead poisoning is particularly a concern for young children (less than seven years of age). This is because they typically have higher intake rates from digesting dirt and putting other objects in their mouth.
If you or your child shows any signs of lead poisoning, make sure you visit a doctor asap!
– K
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