Minimizing your Families Risk to Lead Poisoning
By Teresa Bennett www.simplypetorganics.com
Did you know 4.4 percent of United States children have a preventable disease that can be linked to IQ reduction, learning disabilities, hyperactivity and behavioral problems? This disease is known as Childhood Lead Poisoning. Lead is a heavy metal typically entering the body through the nose and mouth. Once it enters the body it interferes with multiple body functions and stays in the bloodstream for weeks. Lead is absorbed into the bones, where it collects for a lifetime. Moreover, the body is unable to tell the difference between lead and calcium. There are multiple causes and implication from lead poisoning.
Lead poisoning can be linked to lead based paints, old plumbing fixtures, vinyl mini-blinds, painted toys and household furniture, lead-glazed ceramic ware, pottery, and crystal. Lead paint can be extremely dangerous if not properly handled and begins to construe problems when the paint begins to chip and dust is created from the opening and closing of old windows. Oftentimes, lead-based paint can be found in homes built before 1978. Furthermore, there are approximately 24 million homes across the United States that possibly contain lead based paint. However in recent years, there has been provisions implemented for help prevent lead poisoning. For tenants and homebuyers where lead hazards may be problematic the seller and landlord must disclose any such lead hazards. Furthermore, in 1986, Congress restricted the use of lead solder that contained more than 0.2 percent of lead content in faucets, pipes, and other plumbing fixtures.
Moreover, there are several complications from childhood lead poisoning. Exposure to lead, even at minimal amounts, can cause significant health inflictions for young children. The most concerning is the implications it has on the brain and nervous system where irreversible damage may occur. In lower levels lead exposure can cause nervous system disruptions, kidney damage, decrease muscle and bone growth, learning disabilities, speech impediments, and hearing impairments. While in higher exposure levels digestive problems, hypertensions, memory loss, harm to an unborn fetus, fertility problems, seizures, and possibly death may occur. Young children and babies are more vulnerable to the affects of lead because they are more likely to place objects in their mouths where lead can be present and easily absorbed into the body. By answering a few questions you can determine if your child is at may be at in danger for lead poisoning. Does your child:
If you answered yes to any of the above your child is likely to be at a greater risk for lead exposure and should be tested.
Furthermore, here are some disturbing statistics:
Thus, there are some ways to help prevent and protect your children from lead poisoning. Have children play in grassy areas and always wash hands after play and before eating, use cold water for drinking and cooking, wipe up paint chips with a wet sponge, keep your home clean by washing floors, window frames and sills, and remove shoes before entering the home, have your children tested for lead poisoning, and if your home was built before 1978 and you have children under the age of 6, consider having a lead inspection.
Did you know 4.4 percent of United States children have a preventable disease that can be linked to IQ reduction, learning disabilities, hyperactivity and behavioral problems? This disease is known as Childhood Lead Poisoning. Lead is a heavy metal typically entering the body through the nose and mouth. Once it enters the body it interferes with multiple body functions and stays in the bloodstream for weeks. Lead is absorbed into the bones, where it collects for a lifetime. Moreover, the body is unable to tell the difference between lead and calcium. There are multiple causes and implication from lead poisoning.
Lead poisoning can be linked to lead based paints, old plumbing fixtures, vinyl mini-blinds, painted toys and household furniture, lead-glazed ceramic ware, pottery, and crystal. Lead paint can be extremely dangerous if not properly handled and begins to construe problems when the paint begins to chip and dust is created from the opening and closing of old windows. Oftentimes, lead-based paint can be found in homes built before 1978. Furthermore, there are approximately 24 million homes across the United States that possibly contain lead based paint. However in recent years, there has been provisions implemented for help prevent lead poisoning. For tenants and homebuyers where lead hazards may be problematic the seller and landlord must disclose any such lead hazards. Furthermore, in 1986, Congress restricted the use of lead solder that contained more than 0.2 percent of lead content in faucets, pipes, and other plumbing fixtures.
Moreover, there are several complications from childhood lead poisoning. Exposure to lead, even at minimal amounts, can cause significant health inflictions for young children. The most concerning is the implications it has on the brain and nervous system where irreversible damage may occur. In lower levels lead exposure can cause nervous system disruptions, kidney damage, decrease muscle and bone growth, learning disabilities, speech impediments, and hearing impairments. While in higher exposure levels digestive problems, hypertensions, memory loss, harm to an unborn fetus, fertility problems, seizures, and possibly death may occur. Young children and babies are more vulnerable to the affects of lead because they are more likely to place objects in their mouths where lead can be present and easily absorbed into the body. By answering a few questions you can determine if your child is at may be at in danger for lead poisoning. Does your child:
- Live in or regularly visit a house built before 1960?
- Live near a busy street or highway?
- Live with an adult whose job or hobby involves exposure to lead?
- Has a sibling or playmate with lead poisoning?
If you answered yes to any of the above your child is likely to be at a greater risk for lead exposure and should be tested.
Furthermore, here are some disturbing statistics:
- In the United States about 900,000 children ages 1 to 5 have a blood lead levels above the level of concern, 10 ug/dl or above (EPA 5)
- 83% of private housing and 86% of public housing built prior to 1980 contain some sort of lead paint (EPA 2)
Thus, there are some ways to help prevent and protect your children from lead poisoning. Have children play in grassy areas and always wash hands after play and before eating, use cold water for drinking and cooking, wipe up paint chips with a wet sponge, keep your home clean by washing floors, window frames and sills, and remove shoes before entering the home, have your children tested for lead poisoning, and if your home was built before 1978 and you have children under the age of 6, consider having a lead inspection.
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