Rosh Pinah Lead Care

Symptoms and health advice

Lead poisoning can harm both children and adults, with children being more at risk. The effects may not always show immediately, but lead can cause serious long-term health problems. Here are the main symptoms and what you can do to stay safe.

Children:
symptoms and what to do

Learning and behavior problems

Signs: Trouble paying attention, easily distracted, poor memory, difficulty learning new things.

What to Do: Provide a quiet and clean space for study. Avoid lead exposure by cleaning dust, washing hands regularly, and ensuring a lead-safe diet (rich in calcium, iron, and vitamin C).

Speech and hearing issues

Signs: Trouble speaking, delayed language skills, or difficulty hearing.

What to Do: Take your child for hearing and speech assessments. Keep dust out of the home and wash their hands often to reduce lead exposure.

Loss of appetite and weight loss

Signs: Eating less, losing weight without explanation.

What to Do: Offer healthy meals and snacks. Wash hands before eating. Get your child tested for lead if they show other symptoms.

Irritability and mood swings

Signs: Becoming easily upset, angry, or frustrated.

What to Do: Provide a calm and stress-free environment. If mood changes continue, have your child tested for lead.

Pale skin

Signs: Skin appears lighter than normal (a sign of anemia).

What to Do: Provide iron-rich foods like red meat, eggs, and green leafy vegetables. Get your child tested if they look pale and weak.

Delayed growth and development

Signs: Slower than normal growth in height, weight, or brain development.

What to Do: Ensure a healthy diet with iron and calcium. Take your child for regular check-ups. Reduce contact with lead by keeping their environment clean.

Frequent stomach pain

Signs: Ongoing stomach aches, nausea, vomiting, or constipation.

What to Do: Encourage regular meals to reduce lead absorption. Make sure children drink plenty of water and avoid putting dirty hands in their mouths.

Fatigue and weakness

Signs: Feeling tired all the time, lacking energy, wanting to sleep more than usual.

What to Do: Ensure your child eats foods rich in iron and gets enough rest. Reduce lead exposure by keeping the home clean and dust-free.

Headaches

Signs: Frequent headaches without a clear cause.

What to Do: Make sure your child drinks enough water and gets enough sleep. Keep dust levels low in the home.

Seizures (in severe cases)

Signs: Uncontrolled shaking or convulsions.

What to Do: Seek medical help immediately. This is a sign of very high lead levels.

Adults:
symptoms and what to do

High blood pressure

Signs: Dizziness, headaches, feeling weak.

What to Do: Reduce salt intake, eat healthy foods, and exercise. Avoid lead exposure by washing hands and keeping your home clean.

Memory problems and difficulty concentrating

Signs: Forgetfulness, trouble focusing, confusion.

What to Do: Keep your mind active with puzzles or reading. Avoid lead exposure by practicing good hygiene.

Mood changes

Signs: Depression, anxiety, irritability.

What to Do: Reduce stress, eat healthy, and seek support if needed. Avoid further lead exposure.

Reduced fertility

Signs: Difficulty having children.

What to Do: Get a medical check-up. If working in a lead-exposed job, change out of work clothes before going home.

Joint and muscle pain

Signs: Unexplained body aches, cramps, or muscle weakness.

What to Do: Stay hydrated, eat a balanced diet, and avoid lead exposure through dust or contaminated work clothes.

Headaches and fatigue

Signs: Frequent headaches, feeling constantly tired.

What to Do: Drink plenty of water, rest, and keep dust levels low in your home.

Digestive problems

Signs: Stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, constipation.

What to Do: Eat fiber-rich foods, drink enough water, and get tested for lead if symptoms persist.

Final health advice

Get Tested: If you or your child have symptoms, ask for a blood lead test.
Eat Healthy: Iron, calcium, and vitamin C help reduce lead absorption.
Keep Clean: Wash hands, clean surfaces with a wet cloth, and avoid dusty areas.
Avoid Lead Dust: Keep floors and toys clean, and remove shoes before entering the home.
Seek Help: If you are unsure, visit a clinic for advice.