Lead exposure and poisoning - Better Health Channel. Lead is a naturally occurring metal. It is used in industry and, in the past, was added to petrol and household paints. Lead can be a hazard when taken into the body by swallowing or breathing in lead fumes and dust. Household sources of lead poisoning. Possible sources of lead in and around the home include. Lead- based paint. Lead- contaminated soil Lead- contaminated household dust. Lead piping or solder. Lead crystal. Glazed pottery. Pewter. Lead flashing for roofing materials. The C.D.C.’s funding for its lead poisoning and prevention programs was cut 94 percent for the 2013 fiscal year. Lead poisoning can damage the brain, kidneys, and nervous systems of young children. Even low levels of lead in a child's body can cause learning and behavioral. Discussion and Analysis: Preserving this Vital Program. We must not cut CDC’s Healthy Homes and Lead Poisoning Prevention Program. Lead poisoning remains a. Neuropsychological Effects of Lead Poisoning Lead is a neurotoxic substance that has been shown in numerous research studies to affect brain function. The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) - Lead Poisoning. Lead poisoning is one of the most common environmental child health problems in the United States and is caused by too much lead in the body. Animal lead poisoning (also known as avian plumbism, or avian saturnism for birds) is a veterinary condition and pathology caused by increased levels of the heavy.
Hobbies and lead poisoning. Hobbies which involve the use of lead may include. Leadlighting. Making or handling lead sinkers used for fishing. Recreational shooting, including casting bullets and shooting at a pistol range. Young children and lead poisoning. Lead exposure can permanently damage the brain and impair intellectual development. Children under five years of age are especially vulnerable to lead exposure because. They frequently put their hands to their mouths. They absorb and retain more lead from the gut and airways than adults do. Their developing brains are more sensitive to the effects of lead. Unborn babies are also at risk, since lead swallowed by the pregnant mother readily passes through the placenta. Breastfeeding mothers can also pass lead on to their infants via their breastmilk. Symptoms of acute lead poisoning. The symptoms of acute lead poisoning (a high level at one time) include. Muscle pains. Fatigue. Abdominal pains. Headache. Nausea and vomiting. Seizures. Coma. Symptoms of chronic lead poisoning. Chronic (long- term or ongoing) exposure to lower levels of lead may produce symptoms such as. Irritability. Lack of energy Loss of appetite. Learning disabilities. Behavioural problems. Poor school performance. Poor coordination. Impaired growth. Children are particularly at risk during redecorating or renovating, as they may pick up or swallow paint chips or dust. Risk of lead exposure is greater if the lead paint is damaged (for example, flaking or chalking) or chewed by children. Dust – household dust may contain lead from a number of sources, including deteriorating lead- based house paints, contaminated soil or dust brought into the house on feet, clothing or on pets’ paws or fur. Soil – some industrial and mining activities may cause high lead levels in soil, as can lead- based household paints Air pollution – vehicle battery works, iron and steel production, soldering, and copper and lead smelters can produce airborne lead. In early 2. 00. 2, leaded petrol was phased out in Australia. Water – some copper household pipes used to be soldered with lead, which can dissolve into water that may be sitting in these pipes Traditional and alternative medicines– some . Australian standards strictly limit the amount of lead in Australian- made or painted toys. However, some imported toys have presented a risk. Also, very old cots or second- hand painted cots may contain unsafe levels of lead. Food – do not store food in pewter, lead crystal glassware or pottery containing lead- based glazing. Imported cans from specialty stores with irregularly soldered side seams may contain high levels of lead. Legislation restricts lead levels in Australian foods to safe limits. If you or a member of your family believes they have been exposed to lead, visit your doctor for further advice. The national goal for all Australians is to have a blood lead level below 1. National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC). Your doctor or paediatrician can advise you about avoiding lead exposure. They may recommend monitoring of your blood lead level(s) to assess the effectiveness of any action taken. Prevention of lead poisoning. If you think you live in a situation where you may be exposed to lead, you can reduce your exposure by. Following appropriate safety regulations and practices at work and home if your job or hobby involves the use of lead. Do not bring home lead- contaminated work clothing to wash with the household laundry. Not working with lead in or around your home. Melting, grinding, sanding or swallowing lead is dangerous. Follow safety guidelines if making, using or storing lead fishing sinkers and bullets or projectiles, and consider using non- lead alternatives. Consulting with your water supplier or council environmental health officer if you suspect your drinking water may contain lead. Painting over intact old paint on walls or salvaged doors and windows (don’t disturb the surface) when redecorating or renovating your home to reduce the amount of lead dust. Pregnant or breastfeeding women and children under five should not be present. Cleaning the house regularly and ensuring there is no build- up of dust, wetting dusty floors, ledges, windowsills and other flat surfaces to minimise the risk of lead containing dust getting into the air. Discouraging your toddler from playing in or eating dirt and from putting dirty fingers or toys in their mouth, washing toys and dummies frequently, and washing children’s hands and faces before they eat or nap Ensuring that children do not have access to peeling paint or chewable surfaces painted with lead- based paint, such as windowsills and old cots. Ensuring old toys and furniture have not been painted with lead- based paint. If you can’t be sure, take the safe option and keep them away from children Avoiding storing food in pewter, lead crystal or glazed pottery containers. Ensuring your diet is adequate in calcium and iron, and avoiding high- fat diets, as they encourage lead absorption. Where to get help. Your doctor. Victorian Poisons Information Centre Tel. Department of Health, Environmental Health Tel. Worksafe Victoria Tel. Victorian Environment Protection Authority Tel. Things to remember. Lead is a metal that may be found in the home or work environment. Lead exposure can impair intellectual development and damage the brain if levels are high enough. All children’s exposure to lead should be minimised. All women should minimise their exposure to lead both before and during pregnancy. Breastfeeding women should also maintain adequate calcium intake. Children under five years of age are at greater risk. See your doctor to request a blood test if you are concerned.
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