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Lead in the Workplace
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 Lead in the Workplace
 About
																							Symptoms
																							Risk Factors
																							Prevention
																							Workplace Lead Exposure Trends
																							Blood Lead Level Guidance
																							Resources
																							About ABLES
																						View All
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						Lead in the Workplace


About Symptoms Risk Factors Prevention Workplace Lead Exposure Trends Blood Lead Level Guidance Resources About ABLES View All




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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	Symptoms
								When to talk to your doctor
								Lead poisoning may be confused with other illnesses
  April 11, 2024 Sources Print Share
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 National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health


National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) The Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 established NIOSH as a research agency focused on the study of worker safety and health, and empowering employers and workers to create safe and healthy workplaces. View All
 Lead in the Workplace About
													Symptoms
													Risk Factors
													Prevention
 Workplace Lead Exposure Trends
													Blood Lead Level Guidance
													Resources
													About ABLES
																			View All
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Contact Us Contact Us  Call 800-232-4636
						Contact CDC
 About CDC Mission & Organization
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						About CDC
 Policies Accessibility
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						Privacy
						Web Policies FOIA
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 Languages Languages Español
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