Lead and Lead Poisoning

LEAD & LEAD POISONING Lead is a heavy metal with a bluish-grey colour with a low melting point, easily moulded, and can be combined with other metals to form alloys. For these reasons, lead has been used by humans for millennia and is widespread today in products as diverse as: pipes; storage batteries; pigments and paints; glazes; ammunitio; cable covers; and radiation shielding. Although many countries have initiated programmes to lower the level of lead in the environment, human exposure to lead remains of concern to health care providers and public health officials worldwide. Lead poisoning has been a scourge to human health for millennia. Childhood lead poisoning has been a recognized clinical entity since the first decade of the 20th century. The most common sources of lead in children's environments today Lead added to Lead drinking- water systems and lead pipes gasoline Lead solder in food cans Lead released by incineration of lead containing waste Lead in the food chain, via contaminated soil In 2008 in the United States, there was still an estimated 500,000 children under the age of six who had too much lead in their blood. Lead in electronic Lead from an waste (e-waste) Lead-based paints and pigments active industry Health Effects $ Symptoms Headache, poor memory, depression Lead can damage your nerves, stomach and intestines, kidneys, reproductive Nausea, vomiting functions, and red blood cells. People exposed to high levels of lead risk long-term health problems and must be monitored carefully. Symptoms usually Dizziness, fatigue, rapid heart rate build up slowly from repeated Abdominal pain, constipation, diarrhea exposure to small amounts of lead. You can be exposed to lead for months - or years – and not have any symptoms but the longer you're exposed, the Impotence, menstrual disturbances greater your risk of developing health problems. It takes a significantly greater Muscle pain level of exposure to lead for adults than Joint pain it does for kids to sustain adverse health effects. LEAD POISONING If you live in a home built before 1978, the most important step to take to reduce the risk of exposure to lead is to make sure that the paint is well maintained. PREVENTABLE Consult a doctor to administer tests to you and your child if you are concerned about lead poisoning, especially if you live in a home built before 1978 24,000,000 Discard any items that may provide the threat of lead contamination in the house such as old, unused toys, food cans and old lead paint tins Homes in the U.S. that contain deteriorated lead based paint and elevated levels of lead contaminated house dust If you think you may have a lead dust problem, clean up contaminated dust yourself by carefully and thoroughly washing the area, using soapy water and a mop. INTRICATE Sources World Health Organization - 1.Lead poisoning - etiology. 2.Lead poisoning - prevention and control. 3.Child. 4.Infant. 5.Environmental exposure. 6.Public health practice. I.World Health Organization. www.intricatebs.com eX