Lead Poisoning Essay

drinking water becomes contaminated, it becomes a serious health hazard. One of the most dangerous contaminates to human health is lead. Lead is considered a dangerous heavy metal contaminate. Lead in drinking water can have adverse effects on both children and adults (EPA). Approximately 18 million Americans are provided drinking water that violates the federal laws for lead levels (guardian). This means approximately 18 million adults and or children could be suffering from the dangerous effects. In

detrimental effects and issues relating to lead poisoning and exposure in children in his segment on Last Week Tonight in April of 2016. This late-night talk show airing in the United States discusses current issues regarding news and politics with a satirical approach. With the apparent events occurring in Flint, Michigan over the past year or so, it is appropriate to address and increase awareness of the ongoing health and safety issues pertaining to lead. Evidently, Flint is indeed not the only

Lead is a criteria air pollutant, therefore, the National Ambient Air quality Standards have set limits on the amount of lead allowed in a time period for a designated region. The standards for lead in 1978, for both primary and secondary, were 1.5 micrograms per cubic meter for a calendar quarter (EPA). In 2008 the U.S. EPA revised the level to be only 0.15 micrograms per cubic meter in a three month period. There are currently 21 designated nonattainment for lead 2008 standard areas in the U.S

Schnur et al. (2014) looked at published literature on lead poisoning and the 2012 lead prevention guidelines (p.238). Schnur et al. (2014) recognize that even low levels of lead can have a negative effects on the health and neurodevelopment on children (p. 246). Schnur et al. (2014) is focus on the “later guideline, risk factors and sources, and discuss screening, diagnosis, and management of lead poisoning in children” (p. 238). They discuss about the Nurse practitioner’s role in there article

includes the consumption of nail polish, detergent, bleach, paint, and any other poisonous items. Examples of what can become of ingesting such items would be chemical poisoning, lead poisoning, or even death. Manifestations of infection or parasitic infestation comes from eating fecal matter which can contain various worms. This can lead to the body being invaded by these worms causing Toxocariasis and Ascariasis. Gastrointestinal manifestations are caused by consuming sand, soil, clay, hair, wood

For those of us without the urge to eat inedible items, it may be unfathomable to understand what could possibly drive someone to consume such things. The term that defines this unusual activity is known as Pica. The word Pica originates in the Latin word for magpie – a bird that is famed for its unusual eating behaviors, where it is known to eat almost anything. However, it is typically defined as an eating disorder which involves the persistent ingestion of nonnutritive substances. Causes may be

were increasing levels of lead in the city’s drinking water (Broadsidedpress.org). The issue started in 2014 when the city of Flint changed its source of water from their original source, Detroit Water and Sewerage Department, where they received treated water, to the Flint River. Drinking water from Flint River had a series of problems, including lead and bacterial contamination, which led to serious health issues (Dixon). Flint River water was corrosive thus it caused lead from old pipes leach into

because of the “smell, taste, and color.” (The Humanist 23) The water pipes were deteriorating because of the polluted water, which was causing lead to flow into the water. People immediately started complaining to their city’s mayor about the changes in the water. Soon after that, scientists from Virginia Tech discovered it was severe lead in the water. Lead poison is known to destroy or affect almost every organ or system in someone’s body. (The Humanist 23) After they discovered

to seep lead-contaminated water into Flint homes (Ganim & Tran, 2016). Michigan Governor Rick Snyder and President Obama declared a state of emergency in 2016 prompting federal aid to be administered to Flint (The White House Office of the Press Secretary, 2016). Despite plans to replace the city’s lead service lines, Flint’s water supply was still unsafe to use without filtration as of April 2016 (Kennedy, 2016). The effects of the Flint Water Crisis on people consisted primarily of lead exposure

and soap. Other symptoms depend on what is consumed and may include: • Nutrient deficiency, such as low iron in the blood. • Problems in the nervous system or intestinal tract, such as intestinal blockage. • Poisoning if the substance is toxic, such as paint chips containing lead. • Infection if the substance contains animal waste or contaminated soil. DIAGNOSIS Your child's health care provider can diagnose pica from your child's symptoms and medical history. If your child has pica or