Lead Poisoning Symptoms You May Be Missing—and Why Women Over 50 Should Be Extra Cautious

Between recalls for ground cinnamon with high levels of lead and popular protein powders testing positive for the heavy metal these past few weeks, you’re probably wondering what lead can do to your health—and how much is too much. We asked a doctor to explain the lead poisoning symptoms you need to know, how you may be exposed (and not even realize it) and what you can do to stay healthy.

What is lead poisoning?

“Lead poisoning happens when lead builds up in your body, usually over months to years,” says Raj Dasgupta, MD, Chief Medical Advisor for Sleepopolis. “Even small amounts can be toxic, especially in children. Once lead gets into your blood, it can affect your brain, nerves and organs, and the body can’t easily get rid of it on its own.”

The tricky part about lead poisoning in children and adults is that exposure often happens through everyday contaminants. “It’s caused by swallowing or inhaling lead particles or dust,” says Dr. Dasgupta. “This can happen from [exposure to lead-based paint], contaminated water, soil or certain products. Over time, the lead builds up in your system, especially in bones and tissues.”

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4 common sources of lead exposure 

Exposure to lead can occur from:

• Vintage ceramics: “Antique or imported ceramics can contain lead-based glazes that weren’t regulated decades ago,” says Dr. Dasgupta. “If those dishes are used for cooking or serving food, especially hot or acidic foods, the lead can leach into what you eat. That’s why old or decorative plates, mugs or pitchers should never be used for food or drinks.”
• Aging pipes: “Old plumbing or pipes may leach lead into your drinking water,” says Dr. Dasgupta.
• Cosmetics and imported spices: “[They] sometimes contain lead as a color enhancer or filler,” says Dr. Dasgupta.
• Hobbies such as pottery: “Certain hobbies like making stained glass or pottery use materials with lead-based solder or glazes,” says Dr. Dasgupta. 

The issue with these common sources is that together, they “quietly” raise your lead exposure without you even realizing. And that can be a problem for your health.

Dr. Dasgupta explains: “Lead harms the body by mimicking calcium and other essential minerals, tricking cells into using it where it doesn’t belong,” says Dr. Dasgupta. “It interferes with nerve function, damages red blood cells and disrupts how your brain and organs work. Over time, it causes inflammation and tissue damage throughout the body.”

6 lead poisoning symptoms you need to know

If you think you might have been exposed to lead, these three common lead poisoning symptoms are worth keeping an eye on.

Fatigue 

While lack of sleep, a heavy meal or an intense workout can all cause feelings of tiredness, it could also signal lead poisoning. “The symptoms [of lead poisoning] can vary, but fatigue is one of the biggest ones. Lead prevents red blood cells from carrying enough oxygen by interfering with the production of hemoglobin, the protein that carries oxygen,” says Dr. Dasgupta. “Lead also causes red blood cells to become fragile and break down prematurely, reducing the total number of cells available to carry oxygen.” 

Digestive issues 

Your stomach troubles may not be from something you ate. “Abdominal pain, nausea and constipation are also common, since lead irritates the stomach, induces severe cramping and slows digestion,” explains Dr. Dasgupta. 

Body aches and brain fog

If your midday brain fog isn’t from caffeine withdrawal or menopause, lead poisoning could be to blame. “Headaches, muscle and joint pain and trouble concentrating can happen because lead affects the brain and nerves,” says Dr. Dasgupta.

While the above lead poisoning symptoms are the most common, the condition can manifest in less obvious ways too. “It can cause subtle issues that people often blame on stress or aging,” says Dr. Dasgupta. Sneaky symptoms of lead poisoning include: 

Mood changes

Feeling irritable or moody lately? Lead could be disrupting brain chemicals that regulate mood. “Mood swings or irritability happen when lead disrupts brain chemicals that control mood,” says Dr. Dasgupta. 

Tingling in your body

If you notice numbness or tingling in your body, lead exposure may be to blame. “Numbness or tingling in the hands or feet can come from nerve damage,” says Dr. Dasgupta. 

High blood pressure

There may be another reason behind your hypertension besides diet or genetics. “High blood pressure is another hidden effect. Lead causes blood vessels to tighten by reducing the availability of nitric oxide, a substance that helps relax blood vessels,” says Dr. Dasgupta.  

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What women over 50 should know about lead poisoning

Lead poisoning at any age can be serious—and sometimes fatal—but Dr. Dasgupta says women over 50 should be especially mindful.

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“Lead can come back into the bloodstream years after exposure,” says Dr. Dasgupta. “As we age and bone loss increases after menopause, stored lead from earlier in life can be released from the bones. That can raise blood lead levels again, even if you haven’t been around any new sources.”

What to do if you have symptoms of lead poisoning 

If you think you may be experiencing lead poisoning, schedule an appointment with your doctor for a blood test. While effects of lead poisoning can’t be reversed, you can reduce the amount of lead in your blood and prevent new or worsening symptoms. Dr. Dasgupta recommends the following: “Keeping bones strong with enough calcium and vitamin D, avoiding untested supplements or older ceramics and getting a blood test if you have [lead poisoning] symptoms or live in an older home.”  

If your bloodwork comes back positive for lead, treatment depends on how high your levels are. In general, you’ll want to avoid exposure and remove any lead sources in your home. For those with more severe cases of lead poisoning, your doctor might advise a treatment known as chelation therapy, an oral mediation that binds to lead so that it can be excreted through the body via urine.