Lead Exposure – Your ADHD Symptoms Get Worse!

Got negative symptoms with ADHD? Your child extra hyper? Look around…it might be lead poisoning. Join us for the fight against exposing our kids to danger Check out these organizations leading the way.

It seems like something from the past, but it’s not. Sources of lead are everywhere. The trick is knowing where to look. 

• Lead in paint
• Water pipes
• Pottery
• Canned goods
• Toys made in other countries

Metal toxicity is built up over time. It can take up to months or years to reach its full impact. It becomes stored in the bones, blood, and tissues. It can eventually show signs differently than adults. For example, children show early toxicity at lower levels than adults.

Young children are most at risk. Research in Psychological Science reports the impact of lead exposure can be serious. Children with ADHD are most affected. 

• Anemia
• Irritable
• Nauseous/sick
• Kidney and brain damage
• Pain or tingling in the hands/feet

There has been extensive research on the impact of lead on the human body. The results show that lead is probably cancer-causing. Additionally, there are severe impacts on the nervous system.

Parents, You’re the Solution 

While things seem hopeless, keep your chin up. Stay on the look-out for symptoms. Don’t decide yourself. Seek medical advice.

• Remove shoes before entering the house.
• Wash hands and toys.
• Prevent children from playing in the dirt.
• Clean dusty surfaces.
• Keep your home well-maintained.

It seems like you’re all alone. Fortunately, there are national, state, and local organizations to help. Use these websites as a start.

Public Activism

• Centers for Disease Control (CDC) Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention (State and Local Programs)
  • https://www.cdc.gov/nceh/lead/default.htm 
• Coalition to Prevent Lead Poisoning (CPLP)
  • www.theleadcoalition.org 
• Alliance To End Childhood Lead Poisoning
  • www.aeclp.org  

Healthcare organizations play an important role in preventing lead poisoning. That includes screening, reporting, and follow-up. Be careful. Our kids with ADHD have additional side effects: Behavior problems, lower IQ, decreased ability to pay attention, and lower performance at school. Stay sharp!

Question: Have you ever considered lead poisoning is your kid’s cause of behavior problems?