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Lead is persistent in the environment and can be added to soils and sediments through deposition from sources of lead air pollution. What are the effects of lead on ecosystems? Infants and young children are especially sensitive to lead exposures, which may contribute to behavioral problems, learning deficits and lowered IQ. The lead effects most likely to be encountered in current populations are neurological effects in children. Lead exposure also affects the oxygen carrying capacity of the blood. Depending on the level of exposure, lead can adversely affect the nervous system, kidney function, immune system, reproductive and developmental systems and the cardiovascular system. Once taken into the body, lead distributes throughout the body in the blood and is accumulated in the bones.

What are the effects of lead on human health? The highest air concentrations of lead are usually found near lead smelters.Īs a result of EPA's regulatory efforts including the removal of lead from motor vehicle gasoline, levels of lead in the air decreased by 98 percent between 19. Other sources are waste incinerators, utilities, and lead-acid battery manufacturers. At the national level, major sources of lead in the air are ore and metals processing and piston-engine aircraft operating on leaded aviation fuel.
Sources of lead emissions vary from one area to another. What are the effects of lead on ecosystems?.What are the effects of lead on human health?.
