What are the health affects of lead poisoning?

Lead can cause serious health problems if too much enters your body from drinking water or other sources. It can cause damage to the brain and kidneys and can interfere with the production of red blood cells that carry oxygen to all parts of your body. The greatest risk of lead exposure is to infants, young children, and pregnant women. Scientists have linked the effects of lead on the brain with lowered IQ in children. Adults with kidney problems and high blood pressure can be affected by low levels of lead more than healthy adults. Lead is stored in the bones, and it can be released later in life. During pregnancy, the child receives lead from the mother’s bones, which may affect brain development. Contact the Hawthorne Board of Health at 973-427-4012 or your healthcare provider to find out how you can get your child tested for lead if you are concerned about lead exposure. You can find out more about how to get your child tested and how to pay for it at https://www.state.nj.us/health/childhoodlead/testing.shtml

Show All Answers

1. Is there lead in Hawthorne water?
2. How do I find out if I if I have a lead or galvanized service line?
3. How can I have water at my home tested for lead?
4. If I am concerned that my child may have lead poisoning, how can I have him or her tested?
5. When will the Borough replace my galvanized service line?
6. Will there be a cost to me when the Borough replaces my galvanized service line?
7. What can I do if I am concerned about the possibility of lead in my tap water?
8. What are the health affects of lead poisoning?
9. If the service line coming into my house or business is copper and yet I stil received a notice that I have a galavanized line, what should I do?
10. Will the Borough of Hawthorne replace galvanized pipes in my house?