People who are exposed to lead can, and most likely will, reach the stage in which they enough lead in their bodies to constitute the diagnosis of lead poisoning. Children are most prone to lead poisoning for a variety of reasons. Children tend to put lead-containing paint chips in their mouth, and their hands can become contaminated with lead dust. Children living in homes built prior to 1978. Children living below the poverty level as they tend to reside in older homes or homes that have not been renovated. Unborn children are also at a risk of lead poisoning. Initially, it can be hard to detect lead poisoning. Children exhibit symptoms very similar to a simple stomach virus such as loss of appetite, vomiting, paleness, abdominal pain. It's when these symptoms persist and additional symptoms present (constipation, learning difficulties, excessive fatigue) that lead poising may be suspected.