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Lead

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Lead

Lead is a naturally occurring bluish-gray metal found in small amounts in the earth's crust. It is found in activities such as burning fossil fuels, mining, and manufacturing.

Various uses of lead include the production of batteries, ammunition, metal products (solder and pipes), and devices to shield X-rays. Because of health concerns, lead from paints and ceramic products, caulking, and pipe solder has been dramatically reduced in recent years. The use of lead as an additive to gasoline was banned in 1996 in the United States.

Learn about:

• Exposure to Lead
• Health Problems Associated with Exposure to Lead
• VA Benefits for Health Problems Associated with Exposure to Lead
• Related Link

Exposure to Lead

Anyone can be exposed to lead by:

• Eating food or drinking water that contains lead.
• Spending time in areas where lead-based paints have been used and are deteriorating.
• Using health-care products or folk remedies that contain lead.

Health Problems Associated with Exposure to Lead

When lead is inhaled or swallowed, it can affect almost every organ and system in the body. It can cause:

• Anemia and small increases in blood pressure, particularly in middle-aged and older people.
• Long-term exposure can cause weakness in fingers, wrists, or ankles and decreased nervous system performance.
• High levels of exposure:
  • can severely damage the brain and kidneys and ultimately cause death
  • in pregnant women, lead can cause miscarriage
  • in men, lead can damage the organs responsible for sperm production

If you are concerned about health problems associated with exposure to lead during your military service, contact the Environmental Health Coordinator or Patient Care Advocate at your nearest VA medical facility.

VA Benefits for Health Problems Associated with Exposure to Lead

Veterans may be eligible for:

• Health care for health problems that VA determines are related to exposures during military service.
• Disability compensation for health problems that VA determines are related to exposures during military service.
• A broad range of other VA programs and services.

Learn more about VA health care, disability compensation and other benefits.

Related Link

Lead Fact Sheet - Department of Health and Human Services
Fact sheet answers most frequently asked health questions about lead.

http://www.publichealth.va.gov/exposures/occupational_environmental/lead.asp