Lead Poisoning is a disease caused by eating lead
contained in bits of old paints, dirt contaminated
by lead, lead contained in pottery glaze or
breathing lead in the air or from drinking water
from pipes lined with lead. Lead poisoning is very
common in children especially those who live in
rural areas in old houses built before 1970 and the
incident increases if it is not detected early.
Risk of lead poisoning is greatly increased if:
a. Children are poorly nourished.
b. City children living in old, poorly
maintained housing with lead chips peeling
off the walls.
c. Suburban and rural children with lead
exposures from other sources.
What are the sources of lead in the environment?
1. Paint – Millions of homes have lead pain
on windows and sills, doors, frames,
walls, floor, stairs, railings and
banisters, woodwork molding, baseboard and
porches with fences.
2. Contaminated soil from chips, dust
from exterior paint, lead-based
insecticides and highway pollution from
lead containing gasoline.
3. Contaminated water from old plumbing
and lead water pipes.
4. Auto exhaust and industrial pollution.
5. Contaminated food, especially those
grown near heavily traveled roads, food
stored in poorly glazed pottery or
packaged in cans with lead seams or stored
in leaded crystal for prolonged periods.
Other sources of lead include:
1. Dust from renovating the house.
2. Drapery and window weights.
3. Battery casing.
4. Antique pewter.
5. Some lead containing medicines and
cosmetics.
6. Porcelain and potteries.
7. Dust and fumes from hobbies such as
stained glass, etc.
Young children are affected more because:
a. They put everything in their mouths.
b. Their bodies absorb lead more easily
than adult's bodies do.
c. There are usually no early symptoms of
lead poisoning.
What are the signs and symptoms of lead poisoning;
1. Flu-like symptoms.
2. Stomachache and cramps.
3. Irritability.
4. Fatigue.
5. Constipation or frequent vomiting.
6. Sleep disorder.
7. Poor appetite.
8. Inability to concentrate at school
leading to Attention Deficit Disorder.
At lower lead level in the blood;
a. Children may show poor growth and
development.
b. Low I.Q. scores.
c. Learning disabilities.
d. Damage to the nervous system.
e. Anemia.
As more lead accumulates in blood, these children
develop weakness, clumsiness and loss of acquired
skills. At higher levels, lead can cause coma,
convulsions and death.
LEAD SCREENING GUIDELINES
Most children should be screened starting at 12 to
15 months of age, however, in high-risk children;
screening should be started at 6 to 9 months of
age.
Who are the high-risk children?
1. Children who live or play in old housing
with chipping lead paints from the wall.
2. Children who have siblings with high
lead level.
3. Live with someone who is exposed to
lead on the job.
4. Those who live near battery recycling
plants or other industries that release
lead in the air.
What are the screening tests for lead poisoning;
1. Blood tests for anemia and lead level.
2. X-rays of long bones if lead levels
are high.
3. If the blood lead level is greater
than 10ug/di then the pediatrician should
follow National guidelines set by the
Center For Disease Control or American
Academy of Pediatrics for follow up and
treatment.
4. Urine examination.
HOW TO PREVENT LEAD POISONING
A well child visit should include preventive
information to the parents regarding the importance
of avoiding lead hazards.
Children should be advised to:
a. Eat a well balanced, high nutritious diet.
b. Frequent hand washing.
c. Avoiding lead dusts in older homes.
d. Measures to minimize exposures to lead
contaminated water.
Here are some guidelines for prevention:
1. Be alert for chipping and flaking paint.
2. Watch your toddler closely, make sure
child puts only clean, safe toys in mouth.
3. Use safe interior paints on toys,
walls, and furniture.
4. DO NOT let them touch pottery.
5. Store unused food in glass or plastic
containers, NOT in open cans.
6. Don't allow your child to eat
snowflakes or icicles.
7. Have your water tested for lead
content frequently by contacting your
local public health.
8. Get rid of old cribs that might have
lead paint.
9. Children should be fed well balanced
diets with high iron and calcium.
10. If you work with lead, always
shower and changes before coming home and
wash your clothes separately from other
family members clothing.
If lead paint is found in your home:
a. Keep a close eye on young children.
b. Wet mop hard surfaces with high
phosphate detergent.
c. Before removing or covering lead
paint, follow health and safety
requirements and precautions. Evacuate
all occupants until the job is done and
store furniture, rugs and food dishes away
from the area until clean up has been
done.
d. DON'T burn painted wood.
e. If you suspect lead in your water
pipes let cold water run for a few minutes
before using it for cooking or drinking
and buy a filter that is certified for
lead removal.
For more information about lead poisoning, you may
contact:
1. Local Water Department about water pipe
contamination.
2. Poison Control Center.
3. Public Health Department.
4. Local Housing Authority.
5. Family physician or health centers.
6. Local Childhood Lead Poisoning
Prevention Program.
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