The Dangers Of Lead and Lead Based Products
Finding the sources
Seeking out sources of lead in the
household and surrounding areas can be crucial in safeguarding your
family
members, especially children and pets. It has now been determined that the
effects from lead paint, household dust, lead crystal and some imported
pottery can be very dangerous indeed.
Are our children at risk
Children are considered to be at the
greatest risk of exposure because they have such intimate contact with the
environment. Their faster metabolism causes them to eat more for their
body weight and to breathe faster.
Children also tend to play and
breathe closer to the ground where lead dust concentrates. They are also
likely to put their hands in their mouths, which can bring lead just
directly into their bodies.
What can we parents do to help?
Parents can take several steps to
help protect their children from the effects of lead within the home
environment. Cover peeling or exposed paint with wood paneling or vinyl
wallpaper. Stripping off the paint will release more lead into the
environment, and a new coat of paint can itself peel, re-exposing the
paint beneath it.
What about the animals
Also, lead and lead salts are toxic
to pets. Pets are naturally curious and are prone to claw, scratch and
pick at peeling materials. To minimize the risk to your pet, watch what
they pick up in their mouths! These toxic lead salts can be found in such
common things as insecticides and linoleum.
Be careful when remodeling
Be careful when doing any kind of remodeling such as removing old paint, replacing linoleum on floors,
counters, etc. Keep pets and children away from work sites and building
materials. Properly dispose of any leaded materials and remove them
promptly from the premises.
What are the signs?
Know the possible signs of lead
poisoning, vomiting, diarrhoea, abdominal pain, lack of appetite,
irritability, listlessness, hysteria or convulsions. When a pet shows
gastrointestinal as well as neurological symptoms, lead poisoning could be
the culprit and you should contact the vet as soon as possible.
What are the water pipes made of?
Many water mains are still made of
lead, so household water should be tested for lead content. If lead is
present in the water, allow it to run for a few minutes before using it.
Use cold or bottled water to prepare foods or infant's formula because hot
water tends to leech more lead.
Watch your babies health
Iron deficiency anemia is a common
problem among one and two year olds that predisposes them to eating
non-food substances and causes them to absorb more of the lead taken into
their bodies.
Who do you call if you think you have a
problem?
If lead exposure is suspected,
consult your health department about appropriate removal and clean-up
procedures. Also, people who may have been exposed to lead or lead dust
recently should have the lead levels in their blood tested by their doctor
or local health department.
For your convenience,
we have prepared a list of search terms used in order of popularity,
to find more pages on this subject:
Searches completed in December 2004
Count Search Term
7720 lead poisoning
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515 lead poisoning treatment
374 effects of lead poisoning
346 lead poisoning attorney
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200 lead paint poisoning
125 lead poisoning lawsuit
108 lead poisoning child
79 lead poisoning sign
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