Lead is a poison affecting nearly every system in the body, including the brain and nervous system. Lead is especially dangerous to children under the age of six, as their brains and nervous systems are more sensitive to the damaging effects of lead and their growing bodies absorb more lead.
Between 2015 and 2018, 1,763 young children were identified for having elevated blood lead levels (EBLLs), as ‘new cases reported to Allegheny Health Department (ACHD).’ According to recent ACHD inspections, the top sources of lead poisoning are paint, dust and soil. There are no effective treatments for the permanent cognitive and behavioral damage that occurs when a toddler has lead poisoning.
Lead poisoning contributes to:
- Damage to the brain and nervous system
- Slowed growth and development
- Learning and behavior problems (reduced IQ, ADHD, juvenile delinquency and criminal behavior)
- Hearing and speech problems
- Other problems can include: kidney disease, hypertension, heart disease, anemia, slowed puberty