Sometimes, infants and children will pick up and eat paint chips and other objects that contain lead. Lead dust, fumes and lead-contaminated water can also introduce lead into the body. Lead can damage the brain, kidneys, liver, and other organs. Severe lead poisoning can produce headaches, cramps, convulsions, and even death. Even small amounts can cause learning problems and changes in behavior.
Doctors can test for lead in the blood and recommend ways to reduce further exposure.
For more information on lead poisoning, click here. Mercury Poisoning Mercury is a silvery metal that is extremely poisonous. Very small amounts can damage the kidneys, liver and brain. Years ago, workers in hat factories were poisoned by breathing the fumes from mercury used to shape the hats. Today, mercury exposure usually results from eating contaminated fish and other foods that contain small amounts of mercury compounds.