Legacy of Our Veterans' Military Exposures
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Lead

When lead is inhaled or swallowed, it can affect almost every organ and system in the body, including the nervous system.
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How Veterans may have been exposed to lead

Veterans may be at risk for elevated lead levels if they:

  • Spent many days at indoor firing ranges, such as in a special operations unit
  • Had contact with lead-based paints that were deteriorating
  • Drank water from old lead pipes
  • Had contact with lead in the air, dust, soil, water, and some commercial products

Health problems caused by lead

When lead is inhaled or swallowed, it can affect almost every organ and system in the body, including the nervous system.

Long-term exposure in adults can cause:

  • Decreased memory and concentration
  • Weakness in fingers, wrists, or ankles
  • Small increases in blood pressure, particularly in middle-aged and older people
  • Anemia

Source: https://www.publichealth.va.gov/exposures/lead/index.asp