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Lead Poisoning Prevention in Migrant Populations

Lead Poisoning Prevention in Migrant Populations. Bonnie L. Hinds Extension Specialist May 2013. In 2013, lead poisoning remains t he #1 environmental threat to t he health of America’s children, a s well as a health risk for p eople of all ages.

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Lead Poisoning Prevention in Migrant Populations

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  1. Lead Poisoning Prevention in Migrant Populations Bonnie L. Hinds Extension Specialist May 2013

  2. In 2013, lead poisoning remains the #1 environmental threat to the health of America’s children, as well as a health risk for people of all ages.

  3. Migrant workers and their families are likely encounter heightened risks of lead poisoning.

  4. Leading Cause of Lead Poisoning ADULTS Ninety-five (95) percent of all adult lead poisonings are related to occupational exposure.

  5. Lead in SOIL

  6. Leading Cause of Lead Poisoning CHILDREN Lead poisoning in children is most often associated with deteriorating lead-based paint in the home.

  7. Because lead was not abolished for use in house paint until 1978, any home built before that time may contain lead-based paint. Conservative estimates indicate that at least 25 percent of all American housing was built before 1978.

  8. Lead-Based Paint DUST Intact (encased) lead- based paint may not be problematic. Areas, however that are vulnerable to weathering and friction (such as windows and doors) present major risks. Leaded paint degrades into fine, virtually invisible lead dust.

  9. Lead Exposure Ingestion

  10. The inhalation of lead DUST is the most common and troublesome method of exposure. It takes only a tiny amount of dust to poison a child. Lead dust is virtually invisible.

  11. Lead Absorption • Children absorb 50 percent ofingestedlead andretain at least 30 percent. • Adults absorb 15 percent of ingested lead and retain less than 5 percent. • Both children and adults absorb and retain as much as 70 percent of inhaled lead. • Lead is stored in the kidneys, liver, bones (marrow), and brain. A healthy diet, low in fat and rich in calcium and iron, will help inhibit lead absorption.

  12. Lead poisoned mothers have lead poisoned babies, as lead crosses the placental barrier.

  13. A home’s water supply may also be affected if the plumbing is copper. Lead solder usually seals connection joints. This lead can leach into the water, particularly when water is heated.

  14. Lead in Consumer Goods Lead is found in the glaze of much Mexican pottery; it provides stability to vinyl and plastic, and confers flame retardancy to a number of household products.

  15. Physical Symptoms of Lead Poisoning: Sleep disturbances Headache Hearing impairment Digestive problems Kidney damage Anemia More commonly, children show no signs of physical illness whatsoever. However . . .

  16. Children’s Brain Development Fully 90 percent of a child’s brain development is accomplished by the age of FIVE. While blood lead levels can be decreased by removing the source of exposure, neurological damage is irreversible. Lead poisoning results in diminished IQ.

  17. Socio-Behavioral Effects of Lead Poisoning • Irritability • Aggression • Hyperactivity • Diminished attention span • Criminal and violent behavior • Reduction in graduation rates and educational attainment.

  18. Lead “Reference Value” – May 2012 Lead poisoning is determined by measuring the amount of lead in an individual’s blood. Reference values are in micrograms of lead per deciliter of blood (µg/dL). Until May of 2012, the blood lead level of concern for children was 10 µg/dL. Following the recommendation of an advisory committee, the CDC officially lowered the level to 5 µg/dL in acknowledgement of mounting evidence that shows significant neurological damage is occurring at these lower levels.

  19. Lead poisoning is 100% preventable!! Keep floors, window frames, and window sills CLEAN with soap/household cleaner and warm water. Keep children’s hands CLEAN (especially before meals) with soap and warm water.

  20. Follow lead testing guidelines! The state of Tennessee and the American Academy of Pediatrics recommend a routine blood test for all children at the age of 12 and 24 months. It requires only a capillary blood test (finger prick).

  21. Questions? Additional Information? Bonnie L. Hinds bhinds@utk.edu 865-974-8178 fcs.tennessee.edu/lead Contact me for free materials in English and/or Spanish! CDC – www.cdc.gov/nceh/lead EPA – www.epa.gov/lead

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