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
cleanup 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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