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Lead Can Be Dangerous
Lead has long been recognized as a harmful environmental pollutant.
There are many ways in which humans are exposed to lead and most of the time we may not
even be aware of it. Airborne lead enters the body when an individual breathes in lead
particles or swallows some lead dust. Until recently, the most important airborne source
of lead was automobile exhaust. Since 1975, there has been a 95 percent reduction in the
use of lead in gasoline due to the Environmental Protection Agency's Phasedown Program and
the replacement of older cars with newer cars that require the use of unleaded gasoline.
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.
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.
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.
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 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. Know the possible signs of lead poisoning, vomiting, diarrhea,
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.
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. Iron deficiency anemia is a common problem
among one and two year olds that predisposes them to eating nonfood substances and causes
them to absorb more of the lead taken into their bodies.
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.
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