Lead exposure can cause a variety of health problems, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control. Over time, someone exposed to lead may experience: Abdominal pain Constipation Depression Distractions Forgetfulness Irritability Nausea, vomiting, and sickness. Less obvious signs of lead exposure may be: High blood pressure Kidney disease Heart disease Reduced fertility Cancer Lead poisoning happens when someone is exposed to very high levels of lead over a short period of time.  A person may feel: Tired Headachy Loss of appetite Loss of memory Weakness and fatigue Pain or tingling in the hands or feet Abdominal pain Constipated Irritable In children, lead exposure can cause: Damage to the brain and nervous system Learning and behavior difficulties Hearing and speech problems Slowed growth and development Lower IQ Attention span problems Underperformance in academics. Overall, lead causes long-term effects for humans that are difficult to diagnose and reverse. This wide range of symptoms means lead is a public health hazard, and it should be handled appropriately through effective lead abatement.