Lead Exposure and Toxicity in Children

By Theresa BakerWalden University Student Project

July 7, 2009

Abundant Heavy Metal Highly Toxic Used in a variety of components including

◦ Refineries◦ Paint◦ Ceramics◦ Pipes◦ Solders◦ Gasoline◦ Batteries◦ Cosmetics

What is Lead?

Why is Lead Poisoning Important to Me and my

Children?

Lead poisoning affects890,000 US children

Age 1-5

http:// kids.niehs.nih.gov/lead.htm

Babies and young children often put their hands and other objects in their mouths

Babies crawl on contaminated floors Growing bodies absorb more lead Child brains and nervous systems are more

sensitive to the damaging effects of lead

Why is Lead Dangerous to Children?

Where is this Harmful Lead Found?

EVERYWHERE!

What are the Signs of Lead Poisoning in Children?

Headaches Muscle and joint weakness or pain Excessive tiredness Irritability Difficulty concentrating Decreased appetite Metallic taste in the mouth Abdominal pain, nausea or vomiting Constipation

http://kids.niehs.nih.gov/lead.htm

Signs and Symptoms

Nervous system damage and Stroke Learning disabilities, attention deficit disorder,

and decreased intelligence Speech, language, and behavior problems Mental Retardation Poor muscle coordination Decreased muscle and bone growth Hearing damage Kidney and Heart Disease

http://www.epa.gov/oppt/lead/pubs/leadrev.pdf

Effects of Long Term Exposure

seizures unconsciousness death

Exposure to High Levels of Lead

The Effects of Lead can be Permanent and Irreversible

http://www.oregon.gov/DHS/ph/lead/prevent_child.shtml

Test your Child for Lead

Can Lead Poisoning be Treated?

Contact the National Lead Information Center◦ Email to: hotline.lead@epamail.epa.gov◦ http://www.epa.gov/oppt/lead/pubs/nlic.htm◦ 800-424-LEAD (5323) (Voice - Toll-free)

Test home for lead using professionals◦ Risk Assessment test◦ Visual test◦ Portable fluoresce X-ray◦ Lab tests of paint and water samples◦ Surface dust tests

Let the professionals remove the lead source

How Do I Prevent Lead Exposure?

PREVENTION

IS THE

KEY