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Lead Poisoning in Children

Lead Poisoning in Children. Information and Prevention. June 2008. Training Objectives . Recognize the dangers of lead exposure Identify sources of lead Recognize the dangers of lead exposure Identify signs and symptoms of children who have been exposed to lead.

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Lead Poisoning in Children

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  1. Lead Poisoning in Children Information and Prevention June 2008

  2. Training Objectives • Recognize the dangers of lead exposure • Identify sources of lead • Recognize the dangers of lead exposure • Identify signs and symptoms of children who have been exposed to lead

  3. Identify ways to prevent lead poisoning • Recognize ways lead poisoning is treated

  4. Lead Poisoning • According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), 310,000 U.S. children ages 1-5 have high blood lead levels. These levels are high enough for the CDC to recommend public health actions. • Lead poisoning can cause learning disabilities, behavioral problems, and, at very high levels, seizures, coma, and even death.

  5. Sources of Lead • Older and deteriorating buildings are a leading source of lead paint. • Even though paint containing lead was banned in 1978, approximately 24 million homes in the United States have deteriorated lead paint and elevated levels of lead-contaminated house dust. At least 4 million of these homes have young children living in them. (CDC, 2008)

  6. Another source of lead is contaminated soil which can be found near busy streets. Lead used to be an ingredient in gasoline. Homes painted with lead-based paint may also have contaminated soil. • Drinking water may be contaminated with lead as water flows through old lead pipes or faucets, or if the pipes begin to break down. • Some toys, jewelry, hobby and sports objects (like stained glass, ink, paint and plaster) may contain lead. (Kids Health)

  7. Food stored in bowls glazed or painted with lead, or imported from countries that use lead to seal canned food can be another source of lead. • Those who make or recycle automobile batteries may be exposed to lead. • Home health remedies, such as azarcon and greta, can contain lead. (CDC, Kids Health)

  8. Children At Risk • Children under the age of 6 years are at the greatest risk. They grow so rapidly and tend to put their hands or other objects into their mouths. • Children living in older housing are at greater risk than children living in newer homes.

  9. Dangers of Lead Exposure • Children can be exposed to lead through inhaling it, swallowing it and in some cases, it can be absorbed into the skin. • Once lead is in a child’s system, it is distributed through the body like helpful minerals such as zinc and iron. • If lead is in the bloodstream, it can cause damage to red blood cells and limit their ability to carry oxygen to organs and tissue. (Kids Health)

  10. Effects of Long Term Lead Exposure • Developmental Delays • Speech and Language Problems • Poor Muscle Coordination • Damage to the nervous system, kidneys and hearing • Decreased bone and muscle growth • Seizures and unconsciousness (Kids Health)

  11. Signs and Symptoms of Lead Poisoning • Headaches • Stomachaches, abdominal pain • Loss of appetite • Vomiting or nausea • Constipation • Seizures • Weight loss

  12. Sluggishness or fatigue • Pallor (pale skin) from anemia (lower than normal red blood cells) • Metallic taste in mouth • Muscle and joint weakness or pain • Irritability or behavioral problems • Pica (eating of non-nutritious things such as dirt and paint chips) (Kids Health)

  13. Preventing Lead Poisoning • The Centers for Disease Control suggest the following guidelines: • Parents should ask a doctor to test their child, if there is concern about children being exposed to lead. • If you live in a house or apartment built before 1978, talk to your state or local health department about testing paint and dust from your home for lead. This is especially important if young children live with you or visit you.

  14. Damp-mop floors, damp-wipe surfaces, and frequently wash a child’s hands, pacifiers and toys to reduce exposure to lead. • Use only cold water from the tap for drinking, cooking and for making baby formula. Hot water is more likely to contain higher levels of lead. Most of the lead found in household water usually comes from the plumbing in a house, not from the local water supply.

  15. Avoid using home remedies (such as azarcon, greta, pay-loo-ah) and cosmetics (such as kohl, alkohl) that contain lead. • Take basic steps to decrease your exposure to lead (for example, by showering and changing clothes after finishing the task), if you remodel buildings built before 1978, or if your work or hobbies involve working with lead-based products.

  16. More Ways to Prevent Lead Poisoning • The Mayo Clinic suggests having a comprehensive home inspection consisting of a lead inspection and a risk assessment done. • A lead inspection checks for lead presence in painted surfaces in a home, but it doesn't determine whether the paint has dangerous levels of lead. • A risk assessment is more comprehensive and tells you if your home contains dangerous lead sources, such as peeling paint, and tells you how to reduce or control the hazards.

  17. If you live in or in an area prone to lead make sure to do the following: • Wash your children's hands after they play outside, before eating and going to bed. • Clean your floors with a wet mop and wipe furniture, windowsills and other dusty surfaces with a damp cloth. • Restrict where your children play. Don't let them play near major roadways or bridges.

  18. Prepare meals that are high in iron and calcium. A nutritious diet helps prevent lead absorption in your children's bodies. • Run cold water for at least a minute before using, especially if it hasn't been used for a while. Don't use hot tap water to make baby formula or for cooking.

  19. How Is Lead Poisoning Treated? • According to Kids Health, lead poisoning is treated depending on how much lead is in the blood. Some children require hospitalization to receive a medication called a chelating agent. This medication chemically binds with lead, through an IV to make the lead weaker so the body can get rid of it naturally. This is for children with both severe and high levels of lead.

  20. Siblings of children with lead in their bodies will also be tested. • Therapies are used with children who have small amounts of lead present, in order to allow the body to naturally eliminate the lead.

  21. For More Information, Visit these Web Sites: • Kids Health.org, http://www.kidshealth.org/parent/medical/brain/lead_poisoning.html • Mayo Clinic, http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/lead-poisoning/FL00068/DSECTION=8 • Centers for Disease Control, http://www.cdc.gov/nceh/lead/

  22. Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services, http://www.dhss.mo.gov/ChildhoodLead/Guidelines.html • American Academy of Family Physicians, http://www.aafp.org/afp/20000801/559ph.html

  23. Address: PO Box 208Jefferson City, MO 65102-0208 Telephone: (573) 751-5980(800) 487-1626(8 a.m. to 5 p.m. CST, Monday – Friday) Email: dls.stat@dss.mo.gov Missouri Department of Social Services State Technical Assistance Team

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