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Warning-sign checks

Lead poisoning: when to get help

Go through these in order and stop at the first one that applies. If you are reading this for someone else, answer for them.

  1. 1

    Is any of this happening now?

    Call 911

    Seek urgent advice from a poison center or emergency service after a known or suspected swallowing of lead-containing material.

    Do not induce vomiting unless a poison specialist tells you to do so.

    In the United States, Poison Control can be reached at 1-800-222-1222.

    Call emergency services for:

    • A seizure
    • Severe confusion or unusual difficulty waking
    • Loss of consciousness
    • Sudden severe weakness or poor coordination
    • Repeated vomiting with possible major lead exposure

    These signs can have causes other than lead poisoning, but they require immediate assessment.

    And for anyone, someone who:

    • you believe has taken an overdose or swallowed something poisonous
    Other emergency signs, for anyone
    • Someone who is struggling to breathe, gasping, choking, or cannot get words out
    • Someone who has chest pain, tightness or pressure lasting more than a few minutes
    • Someone who has sudden weakness or drooping on one side of the face or body, slurred speech, or sudden confusion
    • Someone who is unconscious, or cannot be woken
    • Someone who is bleeding heavily and it will not stop with firm pressure
    • Someone who has had a seizure that will not stop, or does not wake up afterwards
    • Someone who has lips or skin that look pale, blue, grey or blotchy
  2. 2

    Does any of this apply?

    Book an appointment

    Arrange routine medical advice if you or your child may have been exposed to lead, even if there are no symptoms.

    Reasons include damaged paint in an older home, recent renovation, contaminated water, a lead-related job or hobby, or use of a product linked to lead.

    Also arrange an assessment for unexplained developmental changes, learning problems, persistent abdominal pain, constipation, unusual tiredness, or anemia when lead exposure is possible.

    These symptoms have many causes, so testing is needed rather than assuming lead is responsible.

Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Lead poisoning. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.