Lead Poisoning Effects

Lead Hazards

Lead hazards can be found in homes and in the workplace. Many people are surprised when they learn the many places where lead can be found. The following places and items are sometimes found contained with high levels of lead:

• Homes built before 1978 in which used lead-based was used
• Water
• Pottery from Latin American countries, Mexico and Asia
• Alcohol stored in crystal containers
• Bare soil areas
• Toys painted with lead-based paints

How People are Exposed to Lead

Children

Children are most often exposed to lead. Lead can commonly be found in their play areas such as in bare soil, playing in areas near the road and in the water that they drink. Leaded gasoline is no longer sold in the United States, but the lead emissions from previous use near the roadways has left the soil there contaminated.

Small children and babies may also be exposed to lead in their drinking water and by chewing on pain chips or window ledges. Lead in the water can be caused by water running through old lead pipes. Many older homes painted their windows and trim with lead based pain. While many people may re-paint the walls, the paint around the windows and frames may be neglected. Windows are a popular place for children to find and ingest paint chips since they love looking outdoors.

Adults

Adults may be exposed to lead in several ways as well. Primarily, they may be exposed to lead through their drinking water. Secondary sources include eating off of ceramic ware that is brightly colored, which commonly imported from Mexico, Asia and other Latin American countries.

Adults can also be exposed to lead through crystal containersthat store alcoholic beverages. Lead is used in the making of crystal and it can leach into the alcohol. A final area that may lead to lead poisoning is in the opening and closing of windows that are painted with lead-based paint. The friction causes lead dust, which when inhaled can cause elevated levels of lead in the bloodstream.

Pregnant Women

Pregnant women are also at special risk to lead poisoning effects. Pregnant women that were exposed to high levels of lead as a child may unknowingly put their babies at risk for lead poisoning. During pregnancy, the lead stored in the bones is released and is transferred to the fetus. Women who are exposed to high lead levels during their pregnancy can also transfer lead in the bloodstream to their fetus. If a room is being renovated for the new baby, it is best to have the pregnant mom as far away as possible to avoid any potential exposure to lead dust.

Lead Poisoning Effects

Babies and Children

The most damaging long-term effects are seen in children. They come into contact with more sources of lead than adults do. The effects in children are devastating and include the following:

• Lowered IQ
• Behavioral problems
• Stunted growth
• Learning disabilities
• Kidney damage
• Mental retardation
• Coma
• Death

Children are the most susceptible to the crippling effects of lead poisoning because their nervous systems and brains are still forming. According to the National Safety Council, children have died from lead poisoning in Alabama and New Hampshire within the last 10 years.

Adults

Adults can suffer adverse affects from lead poisoning as well. Typical health problems that adults face after exposure to high levels of lead include:

• High blood pressure
• Fertility problems
• Memory problems

Testing for Lead

Testing for lead is easy and can be done in many ways, depending upon the suspected area of contamination:

• Water tests can be purchased either in your local store or on the Internet.
• Ceramic plates and cups can be tested with a kit as well; many are available on the Internet.
• Your home can be tested for lead by having a certified lead inspector check your home or residence.

Conclusion

If you think your home, surrounding land or water has been contaminated, be safe and have it checked by a professional. Items within your home can be tested with an inexpensive kit that can be purchased for fewer than twenty dollars. Since the long-term effects of lead poisoning can lead to kidney failure, memory loss and even death, it is better to be safe than sorry.