Lead Testing

How does lead affect the body?

Children’s Reactions to Lead (micrograms per deci-liter)
Blood Lead Level	Possible Health Effects
10 ug/dL	Slight loss in IQ; hearing and growth problems
20 ug/dL	Moderate loss in IQ; hyperactivity; poor attention span; difficulty learning; language and speech problems; slower reflexes
40 ug dL	Poor bone and muscle development; clumsiness; lack of coordination; early anemia; fewer red blood cells to carry oxygen and iron; tiredness; drowsiness
50 ug/dL	Stomach aches and cramps; anemia; destruction of red blood cells; brain damage
100 ug/dL & above	Swelling of the brain; seizures; coma; death
Adult Reactions to Lead (micrograms per deci-liter)
Blood Lead Level	Possible Health Effects
15 ug/dL	Increase in blood pressure; harmful effects on fetus; joint and muscle aches
25 ug/dL	Reproductive problems
40 ug/dL	Kidney damage; damage to blood formation
60 ug/dL	Anemia; nerve damage; constipation; stomach pains; irritability and fatigue; memory and concentration problems; clumsiness; drowsiness and sleep problems
80 ug/dL & above	Blue line on gums; uncontrollable shaking of hands; wrist and foot drop; hallucinations; brain damage; coma; death
	Source: ATSDR; California Health Dept 1993