Randy Wieder, age 7, of Emmaus, Pa., for his question:

HOW CAN LEAD POISONING HARM YOU?

Lead poisoning is an illness caused by the presence of lead in the body. Children have been known to get it by eating chips of paint containing lead or from chewing on objects coated with such paint. The illness can also strike adults who work near lead or lead products and inhale the dust, fumes, vapor or mist from lead.

Because the body cannot quickly eliminate lead, small amounts absorbed over a long period of time can cause the illness. Cases may be mild or severe with symptoms including anemia, drowsiness, muscle cramps, paralysis, stomach pains and vomiting. It is also possible to sustain brain damage, and some severe cases have caused death.

Treatment includes taking special medicines that relieve muscular disorders and help the body dispose of lead that has been deposited in the bones or other tissues.