Lead poisoning (also known as
plumbism,
colica pictorum,
saturnism,
Devon colic, or
painter's colic) is a type of
metal poisoning and a medical condition in humans and other
vertebrates caused by increased levels of the
heavy metal lead in the body. Lead interferes with a variety of body processes and is toxic to many organs and tissues including the
heart,
bones,
intestines,
kidneys, and
reproductive and
nervous systems. It interferes with the development of the nervous system and is therefore particularly toxic to children, causing potentially permanent
learning and behavior disorders. Symptoms include abdominal pain,
confusion, headache,
anemia, irritability, and in severe cases
seizures,
coma, and
death.