Health Effects of Short-term Lead Poisoning

In rare cases, lead poisoning can cause death within days if high enough amounts are encountered during a short period of time. Short-term, high-level lead poisoning can cause a condition known as brain encephalopathy, which causes seizures, coma, and death. Lower doses can also cause other forms of encephalopathy. Acute exposure can also cause anemia, which is a reduction in red blood cells. Anemia makes it more difficult for your blood to provide oxygen to the brain, which can cause fatigue, shortness of breath, lightheadedness, and increased thirst. Short-term lead exposure can also cause kidney disease and brain damage. Since the body absorbs lead and then disperses it throughout the body over time, short-term exposure can sometimes cause health problems normally associated with chronic exposure, which will be discussed next.

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