Go to other lead factsheets. Lead enters your body each time you inhale leaded fumes or dust, or swallow something that contains lead. Your body does not have a use for lead. If you are exposed to a small amount of lead, your body will discharge it. If you are exposed to small amounts of lead over time or one large dose, your body may take in more lead than it can clean out.
Lead poisoning is a disease that occurs when too much lead builds up in the body.
Too much lead can harm both children and adults. No one knows exactly how much lead it takes to cause health problems. Many times there are no symptoms until the health problems are very serious. Usually people who are lead poisoned do not seem to be sick. Lead poisoning can cause learning, behavior and health problems in young children.