You must have Adobe Acrobat Reader Software on your computer to view these documents. The main source of lead exposure for children is lead paint, but lead can be found in other items like water and soil. Lead poisoning is a disease caused by swallowing lead. It can damage the brain, kidneys, and nervous system of young children. Hundreds of young children are poisoned by lead paint in Massachusetts each year.
Lead poisoning can cause permanent damage to a child's brain, kidneys, and nervous system.
Lead can pass from the mother to her unborn child before birth. Very high levels of lead can increase the risk of a miscarriage. Our understanding of lead poisoning has changed dramatically in the last several years as the scientific evidence of its causes and effects has accumulated.