Vague, nonspecific symptoms may include myalgia, fatigue, irritability, lethargy, abdominal discomfort, decreased concentration, headache, tremor, vomiting or weight loss. Pathophysiology Almost all U.S. children are at risk for lead poisoning. Lead can be toxic to children for several reasons. Lead has a higher bioavailability in children than in adults. Lead is absorbed through the GI tract and the lungs.
Lead tastes sweet, which is why children start and continue to put it in their mouths.
Other sources of lead include contaminated soil and dust, tap water, occupational or recreational exposure, airborne lead, and imported or improperly stored food. Lead interferes with the incorporation of iron into the heme molecule, causing a microcytic, hypochromic anemia with basophilic stippling. Children with lead poisoning are prone to neurotoxicity, although the mechanism is not well understood. Peripheral neuropathy, renal failure and gastrointestinal problems in adults are all associated with lead intoxication. A CBC should be obtained along with a peripheral smear to evaluate anemia and basophilic stippling.