Sustained exposure to lead can cause long-term health problems, most notably neurological damage. While no level of lead in the blood is safe, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s “advisory” level for concern is 10 µg/dL to 5 µg/dL for children and adults. Other U.S. agencies, however, have set their own level for acceptable lead levels – in the blood, air, food, water, soil and paint – that would trigger regulatory action. A known toxin, lead can impact brain development and cause behavioral problems, particularly among children. Its health impacts are cumulative.
