Neurodevelopmental and behavioral manifestations of lead toxicity in children

Lead in any form is harmful for the human body. It is dispersed into the environment through battery manufacturing, foundry, ammunition, lead paint, water pipes and other manmade products. It can enter the body through various pathways such as, air, water, soil, food, and dust. Concern arises, as no amount of lead is safe for the human body. The detrimental effect is higher when children get exposed, as it can interfere with the neonatal neurobehavioral development, and can also lead to low IQ, low birth weight, and fetal death. This review assesses the risk factors of lead toxicity in children, trends in childhood lead poisoning, pediatric burden in low-income countries, and its prevention, intervention, and management in children.