One of the most common lead effects is learning disabilities. Physical disabilities or conditions such as autism or ADHD are visible and therefore easy to accept as ‘real.’ Children who encounter difficulties with learning and may be given a diagnosis of a learning disability carry the extra challenge of having a disability that is essentially invisible and therefore more apt to be missed or misunderstood.

A school aged child’s inability to rhyme words, learn the alphabet or notice when the words start with the same sound are early signs that the brain is not functioning as it should. Seemingly minor, these challenges risk growing into frustration, low self esteem, defiant behavior, and may potentially compromise employment opportunities.

Around week 12 of pregnancy, critical brain development gets underway. In the weeks ahead, the visual cortex will form. This is the part of the brain responsible for high-level visual processing. The temporal cortex will form as the centre for auditory and visual processing as well as receptive language function. The frontal cortex begins construction and eventually will be the main center for high level cognition, motor control and expressive language. While construction of these three areas of the cerebral cortex begins in early pregnancy, they will continue to evolve throughout childhood right into adolescence.

This is a time when lead effects a developing brain. Because a foundation of damage will not support what is constructed on top of it, avoiding toxic exposure during pregnancy is critical to ensure a child’s capacity for learning later in life is not compromised.

Lead symptoms such as a learning disability, maybe the result of exposure to a range of common household lead sources. In many cases, the lead contamination is actually lead paint poisoning. For lead paint testing on walls, trim, furniture and toys, LEAD TEST KITS are inexpensive and reliable. Expectant mothers should be especially aware that their own toxic exposure will result in lead poisoning effects to their unborn child.