It may do a wonderful job shielding Superman from the harmful radiation of Kryptonite, but for humans, especially pregnant women and small children, exposure to lead is very dangerous.
Recently, recalls on a host of consumer products can be blamed on the presence of lead, found in everything from toys to jewelry.
Protect those Most at Risk
Extra precautions should be taken for children under six years of age. Studies show that children absorb up to 50 per cent of lead ingested (compared to 10-15 per cent for adults). At this young age, their central nervous systems are still developing, and lead can inhibit a protein that is essential in brain development and cognition.
One study states that 1 in 20 children in the U.S. between 1 to 5 years of age have unsafe levels of lead in their blood. And this is in a country that regulates the use of lead. What about in other countries that do not restrict it?
Some symptoms of lead poisoning in children may include abdominal pain, anemia, headaches, behavioral problems and slow growth. Testing for blood lead levels can be conducted by a doctor, as many times symptoms may not be visible.
Acute toxicity, or high exposure to lead during a short period of time, can be fatal. More often though, problems arise from chronic toxicity, or exposure to small amounts of lead over a long period of time.
Sources of Lead Contamination
A primary culprit of lead poisoning is old, peeling paint used in homes before laws banning lead-based paint were enacted.
If you live in an older home, another source may be lead or lead-soldered copper water pipes. As these pipes break down, lead can contaminate the water. This is why hot water from these pipes should never be used for drinking or cooking.
As well, dirty, dusty roadsides and urban areas may contain lead particles due to leaded gas. Though many countries have phased out this type of gasoline, the World Health Organization says there are still nearly 100 countries that have not. Even in ‘safe’ countries, the particles of lead can last for years and still contaminates soil around major highways.
Though lead is no longer used in dental work, some adults may still have lead fillings.
Another source of lead poisoning may be glazed earthenware dishes, as the element makes for a smooth, glassy finish on clay. However, it can leach into food and drink contained in these dishes.
Imported canned food may come from countries that allow lead to be used to seal the cans.
Finally, toys, jewelry and craft supplies, especially if imported, and even some cosmetics, may contain lead. Small children may suck on toys or jewelry may be worn close to the skin, and absorption may occur.
Fortunately, levels of lead in the bloodstream decrease greatly when the source of contamination is eliminated. So, by removing old paint and putting on a fresh coat, making sure to protect yourself during the work and cleaning up the dust and particles afterward, and by getting rid of any glazed dishes you’re unsure of, as well as being a discriminating consumer, doing research to make sure you purchase lead-free products, you can protect yourself and your family from lead poisoning.
{ 4 comments… read them below or add one }
Hah, yeah lead can totally mess ya up. Good article. The less lead in me, the better.
Just remember – If you can stop yourself from chewing on cheap jewelry and toys from China you should be ok.
I’m really surprised that some countries still use led to seal tin cans. I thought that stopped a long time ago everywhere. Wouldn’t someone in this country check on something like that before it could be placed on supermarket shelves?
Talen
Although lead solder in food cans is banned in the United States – according to the Mayo Clinic – it’s still used in some countries. So you have to look out when eating imported canned food.