Lead in the Workplace

Symptoms of Lead Exposure

Key points

  • Symptoms of lead exposure are similar to other illnesses, so lead poisoning may be missed.
  • Families are also at risk of being exposed to lead brought home from worksites.
  • Tell your doctor if you or someone in your household works with lead.
Abdominal pain is one symptom of lead exposure.

Symptoms

High levels over a short period of time

If you are exposed to high levels of lead over a short period of time, you may experience:

  • Metallic taste
  • Abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting
  • Diarrhea or constipation
  • Dehydration, headache, exhaustion, irritability, weakness
  • Appetite loss
  • Memory loss
  • Pain or tingling in your hands or feet

Over long periods of time

If you are exposed to lead over long periods of time, you may experience:

  • Abdominal pain, nausea, and constipation
  • Depression, irritability, and altered moods or behaviors
  • Distraction and forgetfulness
  • Increased blood pressure

Other symptoms of lead exposure include:

  • Decreased lung function
  • Bone or tooth loss
  • Increased infections in general
  • Fertility problems in both men and women

When to talk to your doctor

If you or someone in your household works with lead, tell your doctor. A blood lead level test can be done to measure the amount of lead in your blood. If you work with lead, ask your doctor about having this test done if your employer does not offer routine testing.

Lead poisoning may be confused with other illnesses

Symptoms may occur slowly, so health professions may overlook lead poisoning as the cause. Be sure your doctor and your family's doctors know that you work with lead.

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Content Source:
National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health