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Lead Exposure and ADHD

Researchers have known for decades that lead exposure can harm children’s ability to think and lower their IQ scores. But now a new study finds some children – particularly boys – may be more vulnerable to this toxic exposure than others.

Children who carry a specific gene variation are more likely to develop symptoms of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) when exposed to lead than those who don’t carry the gene, according to researchers at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center. The results of the study were recently presented at the Pediatric Academic Societies annual meeting in San Francisco.

Exposure to lead from house paint, ceramics and in some candy or children’s toys can harm all children and should be avoided at all costs. What the study found was that some kids are even more at risk than others.

If you live in an old home and are uncertain if the paint on your walls or the soil in your yard contains lead, simple home testing kits are available. There are also companies that will test your home for a small fee. If you suspect your child has been exposed to high levels of lead, your pediatrician can help you arrange for a simple blood test that will tell you whether your child has lead poisoning or higher than normal levels of the toxin in his or her system. Lead can be removed through a process known as chelation.

Symptoms of ADHD include an inability to pay attention, hyperactivity and impulsive behavior.

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To read more about this and other environmental health issues, go to: www.environmentalhealthnews.org, www.ourstolenfuture.org, or www.healthandenvironment.org