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Health Effects of Lead <br />Lead affects the body in many ways. It is important to know that <br />even exposure to low levels of lead can severely harm children. <br />In children, exposure to lead can cause: <br />• Nervous system and kidney damage <br />• Learning disabilities, attention-deficit <br />disorder, and decreased intelligence <br />• Speech, language, and behavior <br />problems <br />• Poor muscle coordination <br />• Decreased muscle and bone growth <br />• Hearing damage <br />While low-lead exposure is most common, <br />exposure to high amounts of lead can have <br />devastating effects on children, including <br />seizures, unconsciousness, and in some cases, death. <br />Although children are especially susceptible to lead exposure, lead can <br />be dangerous for adults, too. <br />In adults, exposure to lead can cause: <br />• Harm to a developing fetus <br />• Increased chance of high blood pressure during pregnancy <br />• Fertility problems (in men and women) <br />• High blood pressure <br />• Digestive problems <br />• Nerve disorders <br />• Memory and concentration problems <br />• Muscle and joint pain3 <br />Hearing <br />Problems <br />Brain Nerve Damage <br />Slowed <br />Growth <br />Reproductive <br />Problems <br />(Adults) <br />Digestive <br />Problems