Lead poisoning is a disease caused by swallowing lead. It can damage the brain, kidneys, and nervous system of young children.
Low levels can cause learning and behavioral problems.
Very high levels can cause retardation, convulsions, and coma. Children are most often poisoned by lead paint in older homes. Lead dust can come from repairing areas with lead paint, opening and closing windows, and through normal wear and tear of painted areas. Lead dust settles to the floor and gets on children's hands and toys. It enters their bodies when they put their hands or toys into their mouths.