There’s Lead in That?!
Lead (Pb) is a toxic heavy metal that can have harmful effects on human health, especially in children. It can enter the body through ingestion, inhalation, or skin contact, and can accumulate in the body over time. Lead can damage the brain and nervous system, kidneys, liver, and reproductive system, and can cause a range of health problems including:
* Reduced IQ and learning difficulties in children
* Behavioral problems such as aggression and impulsivity
* Impaired hearing
* Kidney damage
* High blood pressure
* Cardiovascular disease
* Infertility
* Miscarriages
* Premature birth
* Low birth weight
Lead can contaminate a variety of consumer products and sources in our environment, including:
- Paint: Lead-based paint was commonly used in homes and buildings built before 1978. Lead dust from chipping or peeling paint can be ingested or inhaled, especially by children who play on floors or put objects in their mouths.
- Water: Lead can leach into drinking water from old lead pipes and fixtures, especially if the water is corrosive or has a low pH.
- Soil: Lead can contaminate soil from industrial emissions, mining activities, or leaded gasoline. Children can ingest lead-contaminated soil by playing in the dirt or putting their hands in their mouths.
- Dust: Lead dust can accumulate on surfaces from lead-based paint, soil, or other sources. Children can ingest lead dust by crawling or playing on the floor, or by touching surfaces and then putting their hands in their mouths.
- Food: Lead can contaminate food from soil, water, or processing equipment. Lead-glazed pottery or pewter can also leach lead into food.
- Toys: Some toys, especially older toys or toys imported from countries with less stringent safety standards, may contain lead paint or other lead-containing components.
- Cosmetics: Some cosmetics, particularly traditional remedies, may contain lead as an ingredient.
- Gasoline: Leaded gasoline was phased out in the United States in the 1970s, but lead can still be found in soil near old gas stations or roadsides.
It's important to take precautions to reduce exposure to lead, particularly for children. These include:
* Regularly cleaning your home and vacuuming floors to remove lead dust
* Using only cold water for drinking, cooking, and preparing baby formula if your home has lead pipes
* Avoiding lead-glazed pottery or pewter for food or drink
* Choosing toys that are certified lead-safe
* Washing your hands and your children's hands frequently
* Eating a healthy diet, including foods rich in iron and calcium, which can help reduce lead absorption
* Getting your child's blood tested for lead if you are concerned about exposure
* Contacting your local health department or environmental agency for more information about lead and how to protect yourself from it