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Lead, a material used widely over the past 4,000 years, is every bit as toxic today as it was to the ancient Romans. And children are at the greatest risk. According to recent reports from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, an estimated 890,000 U.S. children between 1 and 5 years of age have elevated blood lead levels. Lead poisoning in children is one of the most common environmental health problems our country faces. Children are exposed to this highly toxic substance through a variety of ways. Lead was used in residential paint until it was banned in 1978. Children can ingest lead by chewing on painted woodwork or by exposure to lead dust from deteriorating paint. Lead lined pipes and solder results in lead in drinking water. Emissions from freeways or industries such as lead smelters or battery-recycling plants can raise lead levels in soil nearby. Food or beverages stored in lead-glazed pottery or crystal can become contaminated with lead. Some hobbies involve lead-containing items such as fishing sinkers, and ceramics. The CDC recommends a routine blood test for lead starting at 12 months of age. Testing should start at 6 months for high-risk children, including those who live in a home built before 1978, who have a sibling diagnosed with lead poisoning, or who have known lead exposure. Children under age 6 are the most susceptible to toxicity as their rapidly growing bodies readily absorb lead. It may be hard to tell if a child has lead poisoning. Some have no symptoms at all; others may have a mild stomachache, headache, poor appetite or restlessness. As lead builds up in the body, it can cause vomiting, weight loss, anemia, and brain damage, leading to learning disabilities, hearing loss and hyperactivity. These effects are often irreversible. At its tragic extreme, high levels of lead can cause mental retardation, seizures and even death. Treatment for lead poisoning depends on the blood level. A level above 10 micrograms per deciliter of blood (ug/dl) indicates lead poisoning. In cases of mild lead poisoning, the child is often monitored and retested in a few months. Moderate lead poisoning may require chelation therapy, where a medication is given to bind lead in the blood, decreasing its toxicity. Severe lead poisoning requires hospitalization and treatment. If your child has lead poisoning, seek medical attention early. Test for lead in your home’s paint, dust, water and soil. Hire a certified contractor to remove lead paint from your home. Always run cold tap water for a few minutes before drinking it or using it to mix formula. Never use hot tap water for these purposes. Wash your child’s hands, pacifier and toys frequently. Foods rich in iron and calcium (e.g. cooked beans, lean meat, greens, and dairy products) decrease the absorption of lead. Avoid high-fat foods like French fries, as dietary fat prevents the body from eliminating lead. Although all children are exposed to some degree of lead during their lives, the good news is that lead poisoning is preventable. Thanks to the collaboration of the CDC, health departments, healthcare professionals, and families, the rate of childhood lead poisoning has been steadily declining over the last 30 years, and our children will stand a better chance of staying healthy than those of civilizations past.m Resources: The National Lead Information Center: 800.424.LEAD The Environmental Protection Agency’s Safe Drinking Water Hotline: 800.426.4791 Dr. Richelle K. Marracino is an Inland Empire-based physician. For Letters: inlandempirefamily.com |
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