Exposure to lead in pregnancy

Quick read

Exposure to high levels of lead should be avoided. If you think you have been exposed to high levels of lead, please see your doctor.

What is lead and why can it be dangerous?

Lead is a metal that occurs naturally at low levels in soil, air and water. It is normal to have a small amount of lead in your bloodstream and this generally does not cause problems. 

High levels of lead are toxic and can cause illness, and problems with the brain and nervous system. 

High level lead exposure can occur through removal of old lead-containing paint, use of some traditional medicines and cosmetics (such as Sindoor and kohl eyeliners), and occasionally through drinking water that enters the house through lead pipes. People who work with wood preservatives, pesticides, dyes, varnishes, catalysts, waterproofing chemicals, or paint and pottery glazes may also be exposed to high levels of lead. 

Can high level lead exposure during pregnancy affect the baby?

Yes. Exposure to high levels of lead in pregnancy has been linked to miscarriage, reduced growth of the baby in the womb, and premature labour. High lead levels can also affect the development of a baby’s brain and nervous system, causing permanent problems with learning. 

How can I avoid high level lead exposure during pregnancy?

It is recommended that you avoid activities with a risk of high levels of lead exposure. If you cannot avoid exposure (for example at work), then use of personal protective equipment to limit the exposure is advised. The use of traditional medicines and cosmetics is not recommended, especially where the ingredients are unknown and/or the products may be unregulated (such as unbranded items bought on the internet).
 
What if I think I have been exposed to high levels of lead during pregnancy?
If you think you may have been exposed to a high level of lead, you are advised to speak to your doctor who will arrange blood tests. If a high level of lead is found, the local Public Health Team will offer advice, including on how to avoid further lead exposure.

Is there any treatment for high lead levels?

Yes. If you have high blood lead levels, you may be offered a medicine to help remove the lead. These types of medicine do not appear to be harmful to a baby in the womb. In any case, the benefits of reducing high lead levels during pregnancy are likely to outweigh any possible risk. You can discuss the possible risks and benefits of treatment with your doctor.

Will my baby need extra monitoring during pregnancy?

As part of their routine antenatal care, most women will be offered a scan at around 20 weeks of pregnancy to look for birth defects and to check the baby’s growth. 

If blood tests have shown high levels of lead during pregnancy, additional scans to check that the baby is growing as expected are likely to be offered, as well as further blood tests to recheck lead levels.

Are there any risks to my baby if the father has been exposed to high levels of lead?
There is some evidence that miscarriage and reduced growth of the baby in the womb may be more likely in pregnancies where the father had high blood lead levels around the time of conception. However, more research is required to confirm this finding.

Who can I talk to if I have questions?

If you have any questions about the information in this leaflet, please discuss them with your health care provider. They can access more detailed medical and scientific information from www.uktis.org.