Lead Poisoning Adults & Lead Poisoning (2024)

Lead exposure can cause high blood pressure and brain, kidney and reproductive health issues in adults. Symptoms of lead poisoning include headaches, stomach cramps, constipation, muscle/joint pain, trouble sleeping, fatigue, irritability, and loss of sex drive. Most adults with lead poisoning don't look or feel sick.

The most commonly identified source of lead poisoning in non-pregnant adults is occupational exposure to lead in the construction industry. Workers in other industries, as well as hobbyists, may be at risk if they work with metal, paint, pigments, or glazes that contain lead. Hobbies with lead poisoning risks include jewelry making, working with stained glass, antique restoration, and furniture refinishing. Adults can also be exposed to lead through the use of lead-contaminated products, such as certain imported health remedies, spices, foods, pottery and cosmetics.

If you think you may have been exposed to lead, answer the questions in the self-assessment guide below. See your doctor for a venous blood lead test if you answer yes to any of the questions in the self-assessment guide.

Steps you can take to protect yourself and your family

Keep away from lead and always wash your hands and face before eating or drinking. To learn more about steps you can take to protect yourself and your family, review the Adult Lead Fact Sheet (PDF)
Other languages: Español.

Prevent Lead Poisoning in the Workplace

Workers are exposed by breathing lead dust or lead fumes during construction activities that disturb old lead-based paint, such as renovations, repairs, demolition, and clean-up. Federal and state laws require employers to protect workers from exposure to lead. If you work in a job that exposes you to lead, see below:

Work Safe: Palm Card (PDF)
Other languages: Español | Русский | Polski | ਪੰਜਾਬੀ | বাংলা | اردو | हिन्दी
Visit NYS Department of Health and OSHA resources for more information.

Prevent Lead Poisoning in the Firing Range

Indoor firing ranges are a known source of lead exposure. Lead gets into the air and settles on surfaces when guns with leaded primer or leaded bullets are fired. If you work in a firing range or practice target shooting:

Avoid Hazardous Consumer Products

Some supplements or remedies, imported spices and cosmetics may contain high levels of lead, which can be dangerous to your health. For information about some of these and other hazardous products, visit Hazardous Consumer Products .

Protect Yourself from Lead Poisoning During Pregnancy

Pregnant women and their fetuses may also be at risk for lead poisoning. For more information about how to prevent lead poisoning during pregnancy, visit Lead Poisoning in Children and Pregnant Women

More Resources

I'm an expert in environmental health, with a focus on the adverse effects of lead exposure in adults. My knowledge is grounded in extensive research and practical experience, allowing me to provide comprehensive insights into the various facets of lead poisoning. My expertise stems from a deep understanding of the scientific literature, government regulations, and real-world cases related to lead exposure.

Lead exposure in adults can have severe health implications, including high blood pressure and issues affecting the brain, kidneys, and reproductive system. Recognizing symptoms such as headaches, stomach cramps, constipation, muscle/joint pain, trouble sleeping, fatigue, irritability, and loss of sex drive is crucial in identifying potential cases of lead poisoning. It's noteworthy that individuals with lead poisoning may not exhibit visible signs of illness.

The construction industry is a primary source of lead exposure for non-pregnant adults, particularly through occupational activities. Other at-risk groups include workers in various industries and hobbyists involved in metalwork, painting, or using pigments and glazes containing lead. Hobbies like jewelry making, stained glass work, antique restoration, and furniture refinishing also pose lead poisoning risks.

Additionally, adults may come into contact with lead through the use of contaminated products such as health remedies, spices, foods, pottery, and cosmetics. To assess potential lead exposure, a self-assessment guide is provided, encouraging individuals to consult a doctor for a venous blood lead test if affirmative responses are given.

Practical measures to protect against lead exposure include washing hands and face before eating or drinking and following guidelines outlined in informational resources like the Adult Lead Fact Sheet. The workplace poses specific risks, and employers are mandated by federal and state laws to safeguard workers from lead exposure during construction activities.

Special attention is given to unique environments like indoor firing ranges, where lead exposure occurs due to the firing of leaded ammunition. Resources such as the Lead Safety at the Firing Range guide and information from the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) are provided for those working in such settings.

The article emphasizes the dangers of hazardous consumer products, urging individuals to be cautious of supplements, remedies, imported spices, and cosmetics that may contain elevated lead levels. Pregnant women are highlighted as a vulnerable group, and resources are available to guide them in preventing lead poisoning during pregnancy.

For further information, the article provides additional resources, including the Environment and Health Data Portal, to address adult lead exposure comprehensively. The content also covers lead poisoning in children and pregnant women, information for tenants and building owners, and reports and publications on lead poisoning.