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SYMPTOMS AND SOURCES OF LEAD POISONING
Lead poisoning can cause severe health effects including damage to the liver, kidneys, brain,
nerves, bones and blood. Children are especially at high risk. Toxic levels of lead can
cause permanent learning disabilities, retardation and even brain damage in young children.
In adults, lead poisoning can cause high blood pressure and reproductive problems. In
pregnant women, the fetus is particularly vulnerable to lead's toxic effects. The symptoms
of lead toxicity are vague and may include:
Fatigue
Pallor
Malaise
Loss of apetite
Irritability
Sleep disturbances
Sudden behavioral change
Developmental regression
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More Serious Symptoms:
Clumsiness
Muscular irregularities
Weakness
Abdominal Pain
Persistent vomiting
Constipation
Changes in consiousness
High blood pressure
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SOURCES OF LEAD
Listed below are items that have been known to contain leachable lead. These items may or
may not contain leachable lead today. This list is provided to help the concerned public
identify possible sources of lead exposure in their environment. LeadCheck Swabs can be
used to detect most of the potential lead hazards on this list.
Paint, Paint chips, Paint dust
Ceramicware, e.g. dishes
Decals on a variety of surfaces
Vinyl Mini-blinds
Vinyl back-packs and other vinyl products
Zippers
Bullets on a firing range
Electrical cords
Computer cords
Telephone cords
Painted items, including toys and other household items
Bathtubs
Sinks
Other ceramic bathroom fixtures
Well pumps
Gasoline
Soil
Keys
Batteries
Leaded crystal, glasses decanters, etc.
Hair dye
Pigments
Candy wrappers, e.g. lollipops
Crayons
Covers (white plastic) over dental x-ray film
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Lipstick
Calcium supplements (dolomite, etc.)
Folk remedies (medicines)
Ethnic supplements for children
Plastic toys
Jewelry
Soldered teapots or cooking utensils
Window panes
Solder
Brass fixtures, door knobs, faucets, hinges
Ceramic tile
Chalk
Old pewter
Antique varnishes
Water
Mexican ceramic bean pots
Fishing sinkers
Baby powder
Pottery
Stained glass items - suncatchers
Keychains
Fantasy figures
Board game pieces
Candles - wicks and colors
Broom handles
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