The Center for Disease Control (CDC) has confirmed that almost 6% of all the children aged between 12 and 24 months have toxic levels of lead in their bodies. Results of various studies have conclusively shown that the frontal lobe and white matter of the brain suffers lasting and irreversible neurological effects, resulting in serious cognitive and behavioral problems. Higher level of brain damage in these participants was compensated by the other parts of the brain. However, that compensation was insufficient for the test tasks the participants were given to perform.
Lead exposure in children and adults can come from various sources, such as toys, dirt, lead based paints, inhalation of chemical fumes (containing minute particles of lead), and prolonged exposure to buildings that may have harmful amount of lead in them. Lead exposure causes very serious symptoms and may even lead to death in certain cases. Depending upon the person's body chemistry and duration of exposure to lead, the indications may include delirium, tremors, hallucinations, and/or convulsions. In children, the symptoms may include a loss of appetite, abdominal pain, vomiting, weight loss, constipation, anemia, kidney failure, learning disabilities, and behavioral problems, which may eventually climax to criminal and violent behavior in a person as an adult.
Treatment of lead exposure involves removal of the source of poisoning and balanced nutrition, containing adequate amount of vitamins & minerals. A body of person on a balanced diet absorbs less lead. In some cases, chelation therapy and chelating agents may be used. These agents bind with metals inside the body and are excreted through urine. The most serious side effect of lead exposure to the body's nervous system is incurable and is a key cause of death in children and adults. If such a source is found, it must immediately be reported to appropriate health agency and the patient must be given immediate medical attention.
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