Lead occurs in nature as a bluish-white metal of bright luster. People have been using lead in their daily lives for a long time. However, it is one of the most toxic elements in nature today. Exposure to this metal poses a significant health risk to young children. In recent years, there is a marked rise in the number of young children who have elevated blood lead levels. Lead poisoning can slow mental and physical growth and make you very sick.
What is Lead Poisoning?
Lead poisoning occurs when lead builds up in the body over a period time. Although, it is not normal to have lead in your body, a small amount is present in most people. High levels of lead in the body can cause problems with the brain, kidneys and bone marrow.
What Causes Lead Poisoning?
There are many sources through which lead can enter your system, such as:
- Air pollution, especially through vehicle's exhaust gases
- Canned fruit juices
- Crayons
- Car batteries
- Ceramics
- Insecticides left on unwashed fruits and vegetables
- Hair Dyes
- Lead based paint
- Leaded Gasoline
- Certain make up items such as Mascara
- Textiles
- Tobacco smoke
- Contaminated water
What are the Symptoms of Lead Poisoning?
Lead poisoning is very hard to detect because there are no immediate symptoms. The symptoms occur over a period of time. These include:
- Abdominal pain, muscle ache and headaches
- Anemia and other attention disorder disease
- Blue-black gum line
- Constipation
- Diarrhea
- Emotional instability
- High blood pressure
- Insomnia
- Lethargy
- Loss of appetite
- Vomiting
- Weight loss
How do I Prevent Lead Poisoning?
The good part is that Lead Poisoning is entirely preventable. Just a few precautions can go a long way. Here are a few tips to help you with the same:
- Avoid using containers, cookware, or tableware to store or cook foods or liquids that are not shown to be lead free.
- Have everyone wash their hands before eating.
- Avoid canned foods and opt in for the fresh ones.
- Let tap water run for a minute before drinking or cooking with it.
- Think twice before buying cheap junk toys for your kids.
- Regularly wash children's toys to avoid dust settling on them.
- Don't use cheap quality paint on the walls.
- Make sure your child does not have access to chewable surfaces painted with lead-based paint. Teach children not to eat sand, dirt, or paint chips.
- Keep kids away from the room which is being renovated. Create barriers between living/play areas and lead sources.
- Keep children away from stained glass making because it can cause lead exposure.
- Keep your house dust free. Use a vacuum cleaner that utilizes a HEPA (High-Efficiency Particulate Air) filter.
- Regularly wet-mop floors and wet-wipe windows.
- Don't wear outdoor shoes indoors. Lead, which is found in the soil, may travel to your home via your shoes.
- Use a water filter to ensure reduction or elimination of lead in the water.
- Prevent children from playing in bare soil.
- People who work with lead in a job or hobby should change their clothes before they go home.
- Avoid using personal care products such as lipstick that contain significant amounts of lead.
- Cilantro and chlorella have the ability to mobilize and eliminate lead from the body.
- Eat foods high in iron and calcium to reduce lead absorption. Good sources of iron and calcium are fish, chicken, beans, eggs etc.
Eliminating causes of lead exposure at home or at work is very important. By proper care Lead poisoning can be the most easily preventable pediatric diseases.
