The Methodist Hospital System. Leading Medicine
The Methodist Hospital System. Leading Medicine

Non-Traumatic Emergencies

Lead Poisoning

Lead Poisoning From Candle Wicks

With candles in the home becoming more and more popular, there is growing concern over certain types of candles that produce hazardous combustion materials when the candles are used, creating a lead poisoning hazard for children. Some candles are made from metal-core wicks because cotton wicks are more limp. While many candle manufacturers have banned these types of wicks, a study conducted by the consumer watchdog group found that nearly one-third of candles they studied had metallic wicks. Of these, 10 percent had wicks with high enough levels of lead to cause concern. Much of the problem is caused by small candle shops and unregulated foreign imports, which represent about 45 percent of candles sold in the United States. The Consumer Product Safety Commission is currently considering a ban on these metal wick candles, as well as candles sold in metal containers that contain lead.

Another Source of Lead May Be Antique Furniture

Old furniture, which was previously painted, may contain lead, according to a report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Thecaustic paint stripperused toremove lead-based paint can cause the lead to actually leach into the wood. Any subsequent sanding of the furniture can release lead particles into the air. The CDC advises people to avoid sanding old furniture around children and to clean up the dust thoroughly afterward. Also, change clothes and shoes, and shower as soon as possible after sanding.

The danger of lead poisoning:

Of growing concern to health officials is the tremendous number of children being exposed to lead poisoning. According to Centers for Disease Control (CDC) estimates, almost 900,000 US children between the ages of 1 and 5 have elevated blood lead levels, and more than one-fifth of African-American children living in housing built before 1946 have elevated blood lead levels.

What causes lead poisoning?

Ingesting dust from deteriorating lead-based paint is the most common cause of lead poisoning among children. Currently, more than 80 percent of public and privately owned housing units built before 1980 contain some lead-based paint. Other sources of lead poisoning are dust and soil that are contaminated with lead from old paint and from past emissions of leaded gasoline, tap water in homes that have lead pipes, paint, and dust chips from old toys, furniture, and certain hobby materials.

Who is at risk for lead poisoning?

The following persons are most at risk for lead poisoning:
  • children between the ages of 1 and 3
  • children in low-income families
  • African-Americans
  • Mexican Americans
  • persons living in large metropolitan areas
  • persons living in older housing
  • persons living in housing built before 1978

What are the effects of lead in the body?

If not detected early, children with high levels of lead in their bodies can suffer from the following:

  • damage to the brain and nervous system
  • behavior and learning problems
  • slowed growth
  • hearing problems
  • headaches
  • anemia
  • seizures

In adults, lead poisoning may cause the following:

  • difficulties during pregnancy
  • reproductive problems in both men and women
  • high blood pressure
  • digestive disorders
  • memory and concentration problems
  • muscle and joint pain

High levels of lead may also cause seizures, coma, and death. The symptoms of lead poisoning may resemble other medical conditions or problems. Always consult your physician for a diagnosis.

How is lead poisoning detected?

A simple blood test can detect high levels of lead in the body. It is important for persons, especially children under 2 years of age and/or persons living in an older home to have the blood test.