Signs and symptoms of lead toxicity

Lowest exposure: Impaired abilities (patients may be asymptomatic)

Decreased learning and memory

Decreased verbal ability

Early signs of hyperactivity or ADHD

Lowered IQ

Impaired speech and hearing functions

Low exposure

Myalgia or paresthesia

Mild fatigue

Irritability

Lethargy

Occasional abdominal discomfort

Moderate exposure

Arthralgia

General fatigue

Difficulty concentrating

Muscular exhaustibility

Tremor

Headache

Diffuse abdominal pain

Vomiting

Weight loss

Constipation

High exposure

Paresis or paralysis

Encephalopathy

Lead line (blue-black) on gingival tissue

Colic (intermittent, severe abdominal cramps)

Reproduced from: Environmental Health and Medicine Education. Lead Toxicity: How should patients exposed to lead be evaluated? Agency for Toxic Substances & Disease Registry. Available at: https://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/csem/leadtoxicity/patient_treatment.html.

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