CHILDHOOD LEAD POISONING

CHILDHOOD LEAD POISONING
Symptoms and prevention
Lead poisoning is one of the most common and preventable environmental diseases affecting children and adults living in houses and other dwellings more than 26 years old. The disease can cause anemia, as well as problems with learning, growth, behavior and speech. Lead comes from many sources and among the most typical are paint chips, soil contaminated by deteriorated lead-based paint, water from pipes containing the metal, some plastic miniblinds made outside of the United States and dust. Some facts:
Most children get lead poisoning by inhaling lead dust or injesting lead by putting toys or other objects exposed to the toxin into their mouths. Children under 7 should be tested.
Women exposed to lead can suffer from difficulties during pregnancy, and various reproductive problems can show up in men and women. Other symptoms include high blood pressure, digestive problems, nerve disorders and muscle and joint pain.
It can cause babies to be born premature and/or underweight. Pregnant women exposed to high levels can suffer miscarriages.
It can be a hazard on surfaces of the home such as windows and window sills, doors and door frames, stairs, railings, banisters, porches and fences.
In extreme cases, lead poisoning can cause brain and nervous-system damage and death in adults and children.
Protection and prevention include cleaning suspected paint chips, dust or dirt with a wet mop or cloth; having children wash their hands after playing outdoors; washing a child's toys; providing a diet high in calcium, Vitamin C and iron; having your home and water tested by an expert; and replacing miniblinds with a type that's lead free.
For more information, call the National Lead Information Center at (800) LEAD-FYI or (800) 424-LEAD.
Sources: Ohio Department of Health, Mahoning County Board of Health