Lead Action Collaborative - Information on Lead Poisoning

The Lead Action Collaborative is a partnership of non-profit organizations, foundations, and government agencies that has been working to substantially reduce the incidence of childhood lead poisoning in Boston's highest risk neighborhoods since 1993.

Information on Lead Poisoning

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What is Lead?

Lead is a heavy metal that was used in paint, gasoline, and other things. Lead can also be found in certain candies and spices from other countries, some plastic toy components and toy jewelry imported from China, and tap water, as lead can get into water from leaded pipes, lead solder used to connect water pipes, and some brass faucets.

Young children can become lead poisoned when they swallow or breathe something that contains lead. It is also dangerous for pregnant women. There may be no visible symptoms of lead poisoning at the time of exposure. It is important for children to have a blood lead test done by their doctor. In Boston, doctors should test children at ages 1, 2, 3, and 4 years.

The most common source of lead poisoning in New England is from lead-based paint. Paint becomes dangerous when it deteriorates and paint chips are ingested or paint dust is inhaled. Children breathe in lead paint dust in the summer when windows are opened and closed frequently and also when there are home renovations being done.

Health Effects

Effects at low levels: Low levels of lead exposure have been shown to cause slower development, learning and behavioral problems, and reduced motor skills.

Effects at high levels: In addition to effects listed above, high levels of lead can result in seizures or a coma and can be potentially lethal.

Research indicates there is NO safe level of lead. Any level of lead in the body can cause a negative health effect, even in adults. Recent studies are showing that even very low levels of lead (under 10 micrograms/dL) affect brain and kidney development.