The Problems with Lead and Children's Health and the Environment
States Information
Other useful information from the State of Minnesota www.moea.state.mn.us/reduce/sinkers.cfm
Federal Information
Strategic Plan for the Elimination of Childhood Lead Poisoning, 1991
Lead poisoning remains the most common and societally devastating environmental disease of young children. Millions of U.S. children from all geographic areas and socioeconomic strata have blood lead levels high enough to be associated with adverse health effects. Poor, minority children in the inner cites, who are often already disadvantaged by inadequate nutrition and other factors, are particularly vulnerable to this disease. The pervasiveness of childhood lead poisoning as well described in The nature and Extent of Childhood Lead Poisoning in Children in the United States: a Report to Congress, prepared by the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR, 1988)
Prevention of Lead Poisoning of Young Children, CDC 1991
| New data indicate significant adverse
effects of lead exposure in Children at blood lead levels previously
believed to be safe. Some adverse health effects have been documented
at blood lead levels at least as low as 10 micrograms per deciliter of whole
blood (ug/dL). The 1985 intervention level of 25 ug/dL is, therefore, being revised downwards to 10 ug/dL. A multitier approach to follow-up has been adopted. Primary prevention efforts (that is, elimination of lead hazards before children are poisoned) must receive more emphasis as the blood lead levels of concern are lowered. The goal of all lead poisoning prevention activities should be to reduce children's blood lead levels below 10 ug/dL. If many children in the community have blood lead levels >10 ug/dL, communitywide interventions (primary prevention activities) should be considered by appropriate agencies. Interventions fro individual children should begin at blood lead levels of 15 ug/dL. |
Lead poisoning is one of the most common and preventable pediatric health problems today
Range of Effects of Lead
Very severe lead exposure in Children (Blood lead levels > 80 ug/dL) can cause
Coma, convulsions and even death
Loser levels cause adverse effects on the central nervous system, kidney and hematopoietic system
Blood lead levels as low as 10 ug/dL, which do not cause distinctive symptoms, are associated with decreased intelligence, impaired neurobehavioral development.
Many other effects begin at these low blood lead levels, including decreased stature or growth, decreased hearing acuuity and decreased ability to maintain a steady posture
| Children are at a higher risk for lead exposure because they have more hand-to-mouth activity than adults and they absorb more lead than adults. |
Sources and Pathways of lead exposure in children include
Lead based paint in homes built before 1980
Soil and dust
Drinking water
Parental Occupations and hobbies ie. working in a plant that produces lead products, casting lead in toys, bullets and fishing equipment,
Air
Food
Some "traditional" medicines
Cosmetics
Making stained glass
Making Pottery
Refinishing Furniture
Burning lead-painted wood
Please keep watch here for additions from the CDC Green Book