Why Would There Be an Excessive Amount of Lead in the Blood?

Question

I have a friend whose son often complains of stomach pain. When he was taken to the hospital, the doctor diagnosed that there is an excessive amount of lead in his blood. I don’t know why there would be an excessive amount of lead in the blood. What are the causes, and how should it be treated?

Answer

Lead is a heavy metal that is widely present in the environment. An excessive amount of lead in a child’s blood is usually caused by external lead entering the body, such as air pollution, car exhaust, and certain toys with bright colors containing lead. Children who do not wash their hands after playing outside may easily ingest lead-containing substances. Treatment typically includes medication to help excrete the lead from the body. Once an excessive amount of lead in a child’s blood is detected, it is important to seek medical attention and follow the doctor’s instructions for treatment, while also avoiding contact with environments and items that may contain lead to ensure healthy growth.