We're sorry, but OSHAcademy doesn't work properly without JavaScript enabled. Please turn on JavaScript or install a browser that supports Javascript.

815 Demolition Safety
Skip to main content

Health Effects of Lead Exposure

Severe health effects of acute lead exposure include damage to the nervous system, including wrist or foot drop, tremors, and convulsions or seizures.

Lead Causes Health Problems

Acute lead poisoning from uncontrolled occupational exposures has resulted in fatalities.

Chronic lead poisoning may result after lead has accumulated in the body over time, mostly in the bone. Long after exposure has ceased, some physiological event such as illness or pregnancy may release this stored lead from the bone and produce adverse health effects such as impaired hemoglobin synthesis, alteration in the central and peripheral nervous systems, hypertension, effects on male and female reproductive systems, and damage to the developing fetus. These health effects may occur at blood lead levels (BLLs) below 50 μg/dl.

Severe health effects of acute lead exposure include damage to the nervous system, including wrist or foot drop, tremors, and convulsions or seizures. Acute lead poisoning from uncontrolled occupational exposures has resulted in fatalities.

Chronic lead poisoning may result after lead has accumulated in the body over time, mostly in the bone. Long after exposure has ceased, some physiological event such as illness or pregnancy may release this stored lead from the bone and produce adverse health effects such as impaired hemoglobin synthesis, alteration in the central and peripheral nervous systems, hypertension, effects on male and female reproductive systems, and damage to the developing fetus. These health effects may occur at blood lead levels (BLLs) below 50 μg/dl.

Knowledge Check Choose the best answer for the question.

8-4. What is a severe health effect of acute lead exposure?