Lead Special Pollutants Lead Lead is toxic to humans. Children under the age of six years are especially sensitive to lead poisoning.
Lead poisoning can slow a child's development and cause learning and behavioral problems.
Adults may also be affected by high lead levels, which can cause headaches, high blood pressure, digestive problems, memory and concentration problems, mood changes, sleep disorders, and muscle and joint pain. It can also cause abnormal development of an unborn baby when a pregnant woman is exposed. The lead hazard occurs primarily from exposure to dust from lead-based paint. When lead-based paint deteriorates, paint dust containing lead is released. This paint dust can be inhaled and eaten by the people living and working in buildings painted with lead-based paints.