Lead poisoning is especially harmful for young children and pregnant women and can damage the brain, kidneys, heart and other parts of the body. While people with lead poisoning do not always have symptoms, in children it is known to cause behavioral problems, learning difficulties and lower IQs. Experts say the adverse effects of lead poisoning can occur even at low levels and that no amount of lead in the body is safe. 

A blood test is used to determine whether someone has lead poisoning; the concentration of lead, called the blood-lead level, is measured in micrograms per deciliter. The World Health Organization has established 5 micrograms per deciliter as the level at which action should be taken to identify and reduce exposure to lead.

Known contributors to lead poisoning include unsafe recycling of lead-acid batteries, lead-based paint, lead water lines and plumbing, contaminated soil (including from leaded gasoline, now banned worldwide), and some consumer products, foods and traditional medicines.

Reducing exposure is the primary course of action in lead poisoning cases. Health authorities recommend people use wet cloths to wipe down surfaces, wash hands after playing and before eating, change clothes when coming inside and avoid contaminated soil. U.S. public health authorities say that a child with a blood-lead level above 20 should undergo a medical exam; hospitalization may be recommended for anyone with a level above 45.