The Dangers of Lead Poisoning

4.4% of all children aged 1 to 5 years have elevated levels of lead in their blood systems. Although lead poisoning can affect persons of any age, young children remain the chief risk group for the neurotoxic effects of lead. Aside from reducing attention span, levels of lead in a child’s blood stream can lead to reduced intelligence, learning difficulties and delayed physical development. In adults, lead levels in the blood stream can raise blood pressure and increase the risk of stroke and kidney disease.

There are three main sources for lead contamination in the home: paint deterioration due to poor maintenance, remodeling projects that inadvertently release lead particles into the air and drinking water that runs through lead pipes or pipes connected with lead solder. Leaded gasoline remains the prime cause of lead exposure on the global level. Lead can also be found in the soil, lead crystal, lead-glazed pottery, some folk remedies and even the air, if you live near a lead smelter.

Lead-based paint poses the greatest challenge in the fight against lead poisoning by far. While children can be severely poisoned by eating paint chips that have flaked off of the walls, everyone can be affected by chronic exposure to settled lead dust, which can be ingested through normal hand-to-mouth behavior. Water damage and excessive moisture contribute most to paint deterioration, as well as other health hazards. They increase the growth of mold, mildew, mites and microbes, which are large contributors to asthma and other respiratory diseases.

Drinking water is also a large source of lead contamination. The Environmental Protection Agency estimates that more than 40 million Americans use water that contains excess levels of lead. The problem exists almost entirely in your own home. The longer water remains in contact with lead pipes or solder, the more lead it picks up. Also, the higher the level of acidity in your water, the more lead it will dissolve.

Lead poisoning is a problem that can be controlled by the homeowner, in most cases. In the case of leaded paint, professionals should be consulted. They have been trained to conduct visual maintenance checks and environmental sampling and will know the correct safety procedures for moisture control and lead dust hazards.
The homeowner, in most instances, can control lead pollution in the water supply. Brass faucets can be replaced with steel. Any faucet that has not been used in at least six hours should be flushed. The longer water sets, the more lead it may contain. The homeowner should allow the water to run until it becomes as cold as possible to remove the lead, as hot water dissolves lead more quickly than cold water. For the same reason, hot tap water should also never be used for drinking, cooking or preparing baby formula. Experts say that you are most at risk if you live in a high-rise, a very old home or a very new home.

Leaded gasoline in still in use in many countries today, despite the risk of lead exposure. All automobile engines are capable of operating on unleaded gasoline and there are several alternatives available to replace lead in this highly demanded resource. The removal of lead from gasoline would be the greatest precaution taken in guarding the world against the threat of lead poisoning.

Although, in recent years, the progress made in preventing or treating lead poisoning has been remarkable, there is still a long way to go. The strict regulations on many uses of lead have gradually detoxified the air, water and food supply, producing significant health benefits. The cost and difficulty to clean up our homes and environment emphasizes the need to control it before it gets out of hand.