New research published in the New England Journal of Medicine has explored the dangers of lead poisoning and shown that low-level lead poisoning is still a significant problem today.
Chronic lead poisoning, even at low levels, is linked to significant increases in cardiovascular risk in adults. Additionally, chronic lead poisoning can cause cognitive deficits and a loss of IQ points in children. Current research estimates that about 5.5 million cardiovascular deaths can be attributed to lead exposure every year around the world.
The rate of lead poisoning in industrialized countries has increased in the past 30 years, and it is estimated that about one out of three children worldwide are experiencing lead poisoning. While lead poisoning in the U.S. and Europe has decreased significantly since 1970 (when it stopped being used in places like paint and gasoline), exposure can still be a significant issue for both children and adults. Potential sources of lead exposure and poisoning in the U.S. include lead paint in older houses, leaded gasoline in soil, lead pipes used in water lines, and emissions from industrial plants and incinerators. Children are at particularly high risk of lead exposure; lead is easily absorbed in growing infants, and mouthing in toddlers can cause exposure to lead, especially through lead paint in older houses.
Lead poisoning is a major risk factor for heart disease as well as hypertension and kidney disease. In children, lead exposure is a risk factor for attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), preterm birth, and cognitive deficits. The study estimated that lead exposure causes the loss of about 765 million IQ points in children every year. The authors further noted that no safe level of lead in children’s blood has been identified. To address the pervasive issue of lead poisoning, the best solution is likely to seek out and eliminate sources of lead in the environment.
Sources: New England Journal of Medicine, Science Daily