Another reason why lead is toxic — it could set-off ADHD.

Here’s a relevant news flash from UPI: A U.S. researcher says attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder may be linked to the neurotoxin lead — still found in some toys, jewelry and water. Joel Nigg of Oregon Health & Science University in Portland points to lead as an ideal candidate to trigger the developmental disorder called ADHD, which stands for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder.

Children with ADHD usually show signs before age 7. Among the signs a child may have ADHD — he can’t sit still, has difficulty listening or focusing on tasks, and in school he may be labeled as a troublemaker or a lazy student.

In his article, published in Current Directions in Psychological Science, Nigg offers a causal model in which lead attaches to sites in the brain’s striatum and frontal cortex, and acts on the genes in these regions — causing them to turn on or remain inactive.

This disruption in brain activity alters cognitive control, and in turn results in hyperactivity and lack of vigilance. 

Two recent studies, Nigg says, provide strong evidence of the link between ADHD and lead.

One found children who had been diagnosed with ADHD had slightly higher levels of lead in their blood than healthy controls.
The second study shows a link between blood lead and both parent and teacher ratings of ADHD symptoms, including both hyperactivity and attention problems. In both studies, the connection was independent of IQ, family income, race or maternal smoking during pregnancy.

We adults are prone to the effects of this neurotoxin, but children are even more sensitive. Now, lead is even being identified as a trigger for ADHD!

Regulators have long clamped down on the use of lead because of its toxicity. Since the 1960s, the US and other parts of the world took major steps to reduce human exposure to lead. Lead is no longer used in paint; gasoline containing lead has been phased out; and many products have eliminated the use of lead in their manufacturing.

But, lead is still definitely around. Consider taking steps to protect your family — especially the little ones — from this toxin. You’ll be surprised where lead may be lurking right in your home.

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