Lead: what's the deal?

Lead is a major health risk and “can affect nearly every system in the body. Because lead poisoning often occurs with no obvious symptoms, it frequently goes unrecognized. Lead poisoning can cause learning disabilities, behavioral problems, and, at very high levels, seizures, coma, and even death” (CDC).

Lead has most recently been in the news because it’s been the culprit of a number of recalls in the past few years. The most prevalent reason lead is used in paint is to primarily reduce production costs — which it can do, in some cases, up to a third. Lead poses significant health risks not only to children, but to adults. In children, low levels of exposure can delay brain development, especially with children who put toys in their mouths. For adults, lead can also negatively affect the brain, is toxic to the kidneys and is a carcinogen.

Lead is most commonly found in paint and plastic. For example, it has recently been found in pacifiers. The soft metal commonly mixed into paint and plastic is most harmful when swallowed or put in one’s mouth, so it’s especially troubling for kid’s toys since they frequently chew or bite on them.

Written by Scott H on November 12, 2008