Lead poisoning in adults

Can an adult suffer lead poisoning from living in a house for 18 years which has lead in the water pipes and paint?

[Neuro Forum]

Thanks for using the forum. I am happy to address your questions, and my answer will be based on the information you provided here. Please make sure you recognize that this forum is for educational purposes only, and it does not substitute for a formal office visit with your doctor.

Lead poisoning can certainly affect adults, though it is more common in children. In this decade, most cases of lead toxicity occur from exposure at work (certain manufacturing jobs, mechanics jobs, etc). Lead in paints has been regulated since 1977 so houses built prior to that can expose people to lead.

I will discuss some symptoms of chronic lead exposure (not acute, high dose exposure that would occur for example from ingesting high amounts of lead suddenly):
Irritability, sleeplessness, difficulty concentrating, poor appetite, headaches, belly pains, diarrhea or constipation, a blue line on the gums below the teeth, and peripheral motor neuropathy (a problem with the nerves leading to inability to for example move the hand at the wrist or foot at the ankle). Renal failure (kidney damage) can occur with long-term high levels of exposure.

Simple blood testing is available, and if there is lead toxicity, elevated levels of lead in the blood, in addition to other testing, will indicate this. Measuring lead in urine and hair is not necessary nor useful, it is the blood test which is most suitable. If lead toxicity is found, there is a treatment for it which is termed chelation therapy. In the absence of laboratory-diagnosed lead poisoning, chelation therapy is NOT helpful (i.e. even if there are symptoms resembling lead toxicity but your testing is negative, then another explanation for symptoms should be sought).

Thank you for using the forum I hope you find this information useful good luck