Therefore, no firm conclusions can be drawn. Historically, these effects have been related to poor hygiene procedures resulting in exposure of a pregnant woman to lead which has been carried home on her partner's work clothing. There are historical reports of reduced fertility and menstrual disorders in women with relatively high inorganic lead exposures. There are no recent human studies which meet current scientific standards. There is no relevant information available for elemental lead.
Animal studies using lead acetate, a closely related chemical, are inconclusive.
Inorganic lead exposure during pregnancy has historically been associated with significant harmful effects on pregnancy, including increased miscarriages and stillbirths. Many of these historical reports involved exposure to very high levels of lead, as well as other environmental, social and lifestyle characteristics which may have caused or contributed to the observed effects. Several non-occupational studies indicate that low to moderate exposure to lead during pregnancy and in early childhood, can produce harmful effects on neurobehavioural development and IQ, a measure of intelligence. Reduced birth weight and shorter pregnancy may also be related to low level lead exposure. However, this literature is inconsistent and no firm conclusions can be drawn.