St. John's Safer Soil

Lead and Health

“Lead exposure is most serious for young children because they absorb lead more easily than adults and are more susceptible to its harmful effects. Even low level exposure may harm the intellectual development, behaviour, size and hearing of infants. During pregnancy, especially in the last trimester, lead can cross the placenta and affect the unborn child.

 

If you are concerned about lead exposure, your doctor can conduct a simple blood test to measure your blood lead level.”

 

Source: Health Canada, Effects of Lead on Human Health