The Dangers of Lead

μg/dL to ≥5 μg/dL. This meant that lead poisoning was almost completely expelled across the nation and the CDC labeled this as one of the “Great Public Health Achievements”.3 Childhood lead poisoning however, remains a public health concern as there are some alarming risk factors that attribute to lead exposure in children. With the enactment of lead reduction laws and elimination of lead based products, there was a large decline in lead poisoning.2 EBLLs (elevated blood lead levels) affect children’s developmental processes and overall learning.4 With EBLLs causing lack of development early on in a child’s life, it’s crucial that we understand why children still have EBLLs and why it affects certain populations more than others. In this literature review, I will discuss some risk factors identified among children of various backgrounds, ethnicities, and communities.

What are some of the effects of the crisis? For any adult, lead poisoning can cause kidney problems, fatigue, lethargy, depression, and slower reaction time. However, adults require a higher level of lead in the blood to produce those effects. For pregnant women lead poisoning can can cause miscarriages and future health problems in a developing fetus. What about children? For children, lead poisoning affects the development of children's brains and nervous systems.

The water in Flint is placing people in peril because the water is accumulating with lead. Lead is a type of chemical element in the carbon group. Lead is a soft and heavy post - transition metal. If lead accumulates in your body you could sustain death or lead poisoning. Lead poisoning occurs when lead builds up in the body often over a period of months or years. Even small amounts of lead can cause perpetual health problem. Children under the age of six are vulnerable to lead poisoning and possibility death.

The improved screening and treatment of lead poisoning decreased the severity of symptoms usually seen. However, the level of lead in the blood does not establish what symptoms are seen, since lead in blood only establishes current exposure. Recently, studies have shown that a long exposure to low amounts of lead may have severe neurobehavioral effects that are not diagnosed until the child enters school (Singhal et. al., 1980).

Health officials agree that no amount of exposure to lead is safe, be it from water, the air, old paint, or dirt. Even the smallest of amounts can lead to irreversible cognitive and developmental damage, especially in younger children.

To reduce the lead I would get OSHA to come and inspected the factory. I know that small business employers may contact OSHA free to help determine whether there are hazards at their worksites and work with OSHA on correcting any identified hazards. The public health agencies have many approaches to preventing childhood lead poisoning would include screening and surveillance, risk identification, primary prevention activities, interagency coordination, and services for poisoned children. The Housing agencies with the responsibility for regulating housing quality or developing policies to ensure that people are provided with safe and affordable housing an example would be house section 8 inspect houses before they will let a landlord use their

Lead, a naturally occurring metal and can be used in almost everything. It can cause serious health issues if it is exposed for a long time, particularly in children as they are more susceptible to absorbing and retaining lead in their bodies. Each year, in the United States 310,000 of 1- to 5-year age group are found to have unsafe levels of lead in their blood, which can cause a wide range of symptoms. (1)

A healthy diet is important in preventing childhood lead poisoning. To help reduce the amount of lead a child's body absorbs and stores in the bones, the child must eat nutritious meals. Children need certain nutrients and minerals, especially calcium and iron, to make their bones grow strong. When there is not enough of these minerals in the body, lead is absorbed. Children with diets low in iron, calcium, and vitamin C retain lead more than children whose diets have high amounts of these minerals. Also, children on an empty stomach absorb more lead so make sure your children are eating regularly. Make sure their meals consist of green vegetables, lean meats and fish, milk, cheese and yogurt, and fruits. Avoid foods and snacks high in fat and

There is no dispute the effects that lead has on people, especially children and pregnant women. It is a cumulative toxin and the effects can be found in multiple body systems, such as the brain, liver, kidneys, and bones. In young children, large doses can lead to coma or death, and, more commonly, smaller amounts will cause learning disabilities and lowered IQ, along with other ailments such as hypertension and immunotoxicity (World Health Organization). Because of these devastating health effects, lead is no longer allowed to be used in paint, which was very common in homes and toys until the late 70’s (EPA). Lead is a natural occurring element found in the Earth’s crust, but has become a major environmental contaminant because of its widespread

Contamination of lead can happen anywhere and to anyone it also poses health risk globally and throughout the environment globally. Toxic level of lead causes multiple body systems failure. When lead enters the body it is distributed to body system such as the brain, liver, kidney and bones. Lead is also stored in our bone and kidney. Lead is a substance that is produce naturally in minute amount in the earth’s covering. Lead may have some beneficially but may also be toxic to humans and animals, which can cause health issues. It can be found globally and are used in many ways. Lead can be found in all part of our environment including in our homes, soil, water and the air. It is even found in our toys, cosmetics and jewelry.

One of the main issues related to lead exposure is the risk of brain development problems. This is something that is especially possible in children because their brains are still developing. According to the Mayo Clinic, irreversible damage could occur if a child is exposed to lead.

degree of lead exposure (Lead exposure,” 2009) Levels Severity of the threat to the exposed individual’s health. Severity Rating levels greater than 80 µg/dL Serious, permanent health damage may occur. Extremely dangerous Levels between 40 and 80 µg/dL Even without symptoms, Serious health damage may be occurring. Seriously elevated Levels between 25 and 40 µg/dL Indicates regular exposure is occurring, potential for physiologic problems.

Lead is harmful to humans interferes with the action of particular enzymes in the body. It inhibits the synthesis of haemoglobin and interferes with energy production by cellular mitochondria. Long-
term overexposure can cause numerous health problems, including anaemia, nervous system disorders, mental retardation, kidney disease and decreased fertility. Muscle pain, mid-abdominal pain, convulsion and nausea are some symptoms of acute lead poisoning.

Lead poisoning relates to skin lesion, hair loss, vision loss, memory loss, depression, and anxiety. Many pediatricians found high levels of lead in children’s system. Young children, infants, and fetuses are particularly vulnerable to lead because the physical and behavioral effects of lead occur at lower exposure levels in children than in adults. A dose of lead that would

Lead poisoning occurs when lead builds up in the body over a long time. Children younger than 6 years are especially vulnerable to lead poisoning. Lead poison causes serious damage to physical and mental development. Children with lead poison have very low IQ level. Main source of lead poison is old paints. Signs and symptoms of lead poisoning are developmental delay, learning difficulties, irritability, loss of appetite, weight loss, sluggishness and fatigue, and abdominal pain, vomiting, constipation, seizures and hearing loss. Symptoms may not present until high level of lead is accumulated in blood.