High lead levels can be a problem for adults, but it has the most devastating effects in children. Elevated lead levels in children affect not only the brain and nervous system, but the kidneys and digestive system as well. Lead poisoning in children can lead to learning disabilities and a drop in I.Q. Usually these problems are seen when a child’s lead levels rise above 10 mcg/dl. Now, a new study shows that elevated lead levels in children as low as 5 mcg/dl can create problems – by causing puberty to be delayed.

The Effects of Elevated Lead Levels in Children

In this study, published in the journal Pediatrics, researchers measured the blood lead levels of 489 eight and nine year old boys and followed them as they prepared to enter puberty. They found that boys who had lead levels above 5 mcg/dl had delayed puberty compared to boys with lower lead levels. This shows that even “acceptable” elevations in lead levels can affect the development of a child.  

Why do boys with high lead levels start puberty later? Researchers believe it’s due to the effect lead has on testosterone levels. Testosterone is the male hormone that triggers deepening of the voice, development of facial hair, increases in muscle strength, and maturation of the sex organs. Studies in rats show that high lead levels decrease levels of testosterone which could delay the onset of puberty. Disturbingly, up to eight out of a hundred boys have lead levels greater than 5 mcg/dl and could experience delayed puberty as a result.

Why is delayed puberty a problem for young boys? In this study, high lead levels delayed puberty by an average of seven months which may not seem significant, but researchers are worried that this delay could affect a boy’s self-esteem when he doesn’t mature as fast as his classmates. Children who mature later are at higher risk for depression and other mental health problems compared to children who enter puberty earlier.

Other Effects of Elevated Lead Levels in Children

Another new study gives even more reason to be concerned about modestly elevated lead levels in children. A Johns Hopkins study found that children with lead levels below 10 mcg/dl – the level above which most brain and nerve damage occurs – showed signs of kidney decreased kidney function – which could increase their risk of kidney disease later in life.

Elevated Lead Levels in Children: The Bottom Line?

There is no safe level of lead in the blood for children. Although most serious effects to the brain and nervous system occur at levels of 10 mcg/dl or higher, there can be problems even at lower blood levels. Be sure your child’s pediatrician checks your child’s lead level annually starting at six months and make sure you know the exact results. It could prevent problems for your child later.

References:

Paktribune.com website. “Even a Little Lead May Damage Kids’ Kidneys

Medscape.com website. “Blood Lead Levels Tied to Timing of Puberty in Boys”

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