Lead poisoning
Lead poisoning
Lead poisoning happens when lead gets into the body and starts to cause harm. This can happen if lead is swallowed or breathed in. Even small amounts, if they build up in the body over time, can lead to health problems. Larger amounts over a short period can also cause harm, though this is less common.
Children are especially at risk because their bodies absorb lead more easily than adults' do. Lead exposure can affect how a child grows and develops, even when no symptoms are noticeable.
When lead exposure occurs, it can raise the level of lead in the blood above what is considered normal.
Common Symptoms
⚠️ This symptom list is for educational purposes. Having these symptoms does not mean you have this condition. See a doctor for proper diagnosis.
Medicines Commonly Used
⚠️ These medicines are commonly used for confirmed diagnoses of this condition. This is NOT a recommendation or prescription. Treatment must be determined by your doctor.
No medicines have been linked to this condition yet.
Causes
What causes lead poisoning?
Lead is not commonly found in modern products in the UK, but that does not mean exposure cannot happen. It can still occur in a number of ways, and it helps to know what to watch for.
Everyday exposures
You may come into contact with lead through:
- putting non-food items containing lead into the mouth
- soil, dust or flaking paint
- older or imported toys and items that do not meet UK safety standards
- food, spices or traditional medicines brought from abroad
- cooking equipment that may contain lead
Older homes
If you are living in or visiting an older home, you could be exposed to lead through:
- old paint that may contain lead. Chipped paint and decorating work can release old paint or paint dust into the home, and a child could then put this in their mouth or breathe it in
- lead pipes or lead solder. These may still be present in older homes and could affect the drinking water
Work and hobbies
Lead dust or fumes can be carried into the home from various activities, including:
- construction, plumbing or roofing
- battery recycling
- shooting
- making fishing weights or stained glass
If your work or hobbies involve lead, it is worth taking these precautions:
- follow health and safety advice
- avoid bringing dust or contaminated clothing into your home
- wash your hands and change your clothes before you have contact with others
How children can come into contact with lead
Children with pica, an eating disorder in which someone eats non-food items, face a higher risk of lead exposure.
If you are worried about your child's exposure to lead, it is worth speaking to your GP or health visitor.
For more information on pica, you can find guidance from:
- The Challenging Behaviour Foundation
- National Autistic Society
What to do if your child has been exposed to lead
If your child is found to have a raised level of lead in their blood, your GP or health professional will talk you through:
- why the test was carried out
- what the result means
- any health concerns and what happens next
Public health professionals may also get in touch to help understand how your child may have been exposed to lead.
How to reduce your child's exposure to lead
There is a lot you can do to help lower your child's exposure to lead. Gently discouraging unsafe behaviours and building safer habits can make a real difference.
Do
- gently stop your child from putting non-food items, such as soil or paint, in their mouth
- discourage biting, picking or chewing painted surfaces
- keep unsafe items out of reach and out of sight
- keep floors and play areas clear
- teach your child the difference between food and non-food items
- praise and reward safe behaviour
- offer safe alternatives, such as chew or sensory toys
- make these safe alternatives easy to reach
- wash your child's hands regularly with soap and water
- provide regular meals and snacks
Treatment
To prevent lead from getting into food, spices and medicines, buy only from reputable suppliers, and be cautious with imported products, since these may not meet the usual safety standards.
DIY and decorating
If you are painting or decorating an older home, take extra care in houses built before the 1960s. Old paint in such homes may contain lead hidden beneath newer layers of paint, so it is best not to sand or scrape it off yourself. If you find damaged paint, cover it with plastic or a similar material for the time being. Testing and removal should be left to a qualified professional, and until this is done, keep children well away from the affected areas.
Further information
Information and advice on testing drinking water can usually be found through your local water supply authority. If you rely on a private water supply, your local council's Environmental Health department will be able to give you the right contact details. Tenants who need advice about their rented property can also seek help from a local tenants' rights or citizens advice service.
When sharing any details about your situation, avoid including personal information such as your name, location or any personal health conditions.
Prevention
There are simple steps you can take to reduce lead exposure at home and protect your family's health.
Toys
Check that toys meet UK safety standards by looking for the UK Conformity Assessed (UKCA) and CE safety marks.
Drinking water
To prevent lead exposure through your water supply, use only cold tap water for drinking, cooking and making infant formula.
If your home may have older plumbing, check the pipes under the sink or near the point where water enters the house. Lead pipes are:
- dull grey
- soft, so they can be scratched to reveal shiny metal underneath
- fitted with rounded joints
If you think you have lead pipes, contact Scottish Water either online or by calling 0800 077 8778. They will help you arrange water testing. This is usually free unless you have a private water supply.
Most homes have water that meets the legal requirements for lead. However, if higher levels of lead are found:
- Scottish Water will contact you
- steps will be taken to reduce exposure
- you may be advised not to drink tap water for a while
If lead pipes are found, the property owner is responsible for replacing the pipework within the property boundary.