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This module provides information on why lead is dangerous for young children, common sources of lead in a child's environment, and other sources of lead. It also includes tips on how to protect yourself from lead and provides resources for more information.
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Why Lead is Dangerous for Young Children • Lead is a toxic metal found in the environment • Children 6 months to 6 years are at risk • Kids absorb more from hand to mouth activity • Can cause developmental delays because it interferes with how the brain matures
Common Sources of Lead in a Child’s Environment • Paint and dust • Soil • Water • Toys, vinyl miniblinds • Pottery from foreign places
Other Sources of Lead • Keys • Pewter • Home remedies • Glaze on old bathtubs • Soil contaminated from leaded gasoline
Lead Sources Soil near heavily-used streets and roads may contain lead because lead was used in gasoline production. Lead may also be found in the soil next to homes that previously had been painted with lead-based paint. Lead in soil can contribute to high levels of lead in household dust. http://www.niehs.nih.gov/kids/lead.htm
Lead Sources Lead may get into drinking water when lead-containing materials are used in plumbing parts, such as pipes, solders, and brass or chrome plated faucets; any of these components may begin to corrode and break down http://www.niehs.nih.gov/kids/lead.htm
Lead Sources • Ammunition • Stained glass • Fishing sinkers • Yellow road stripes • Pool cue chalk • Cosmetics • Colored newspapers • Hair dyes • Plastic mini-blinds • Old toys / imported toys • Lead painted pottery • Leaded crystal • Inks • Artists paints • Ammunition • Dishes http://www.niehs.nih.gov/kids/lead.htm
Lead Producers • Battery manufacturing • Chemical industries • Construction & demolition • Firing-range instructors • Foundry workers • Gas-station attendants • Jewelers • Lead miners & smelters • Pigment manufacturing • Pipe fitters • Plastics industry • Printers • Radiator repair workers • Rubber industry • Solid waste production • Stained-glass makers • Welders Source: American Family Physician
lower level lead exposure…results “Deficits in cognitive and academic skills associated with lead exposure occur at blood lead concentrations lower than 5 μg/dL” Lanphear, et al. Public Health Reports 2000 (115); 521-529.
lower level lead exposure…results • Study repeated • prospective • Similar results • Demonstrable decrements in IQ • Effects greatest at lower lead levels Canfield R L, et al. NEJM 348(16):1517.
Two screenings suggested • 12 months of age • anemia • 24 months of age • levels typically higher • once before 6 years of age if not done previously
The only way to know if your child has high lead levels Ask your doctor for a blood lead test
Protect Yourself From Lead….. • Wash your hands before you eat • Take off your shoes at the door • Eat a healthy diet that includes iron and calcium
Is Lead Hiding In Your Home? http://www.niehs.nih.gov/kids/leadhouse.htm
Lead Resources On The Web • National Safety Council • http://www.nsc.org/library/facts/lead.htm • CDC • http://www.cdc.gov/nceh/lead/faq/cdc97a.htm • American Academy of Pediatrics • http://www.aap.org/ • Alliance To End Childhood Lead Poisoning • http://www.aeclp.org/ • National Institute of Environmental Health Services • http://www.niehs.nih.gov/kids/lead.htm • The Lead Group • http://www.lead.org.au/fs-index.html • Housing Urban Development (HUD) • http://www.HUD.gov/offices/lead/
Points of Contact • National Lead Information Center • 1-800-424-LEAD • EPA’s Safe Drinking Water Hotline • 1-800-426-4791 • Consumer Products Safety Commission Hotline • 1-800-638-2772 • Housing & Urban Development (HUD) Office of Lead Hazard Control • 202-755-1785
Points of Contact • Rocky Mountain Poison & Drug Center • 303-739-1123 • 1-800-332-3073 • Colorado Department of Public Health & Environment • 1-800-886-7689 • Blood-Lead Testing • Contact your doctor