To better understand chronic effects, lets take a look at the body systems affected by lead. It is actually a blood protein called hemoglobin which does this work and which gives the blood its red color. Lead interferes with the body's ability to make hemoglobin. This disrupts the flow of oxygen to all tissues, causing anemia. Anemia, which is a general term describing an oxygen shortage, is linked with symptoms, such as tiredness, weakness, headache, and irritability.
Severe anemia can lead to heart failure.
While the exact mechanism is not understood, chronic lead exposure can cause important nervous system problems. It can affect the central nervous system which includes the brain. This may show up as fatigue, nervousness, anxiety, and sleeplessness, and lead to behavioral problems, such as poor memory, visual disturbances, and confusion. In addition to the brain, lead can affect the part of the nervous system that controls the movements of hands, fingers, and feet. It is called the peripheral nervous system.