LEAD POISONING
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Lead can damage almost every system in
the human body, and it can also cause high blood pressure (hypertension).
It is particularly harmful to the developing brain of fetuses and
young children. The higher the level of lead in a child's blood, and
the longer this elevated level lasts, the greater the chance of ill
effects. Over the long term, lead poisoning in a child can lead to
learning disabilities, behavior problems, and even mental
retardation. At very high levels, lead poisoning can cause seizures,
coma, and even death.
About one out of every six children in the United States has a high
level of lead in the blood, according to the Agency for Toxic
Substances and Disease Registry. Many of these children are exposed
to lead through peeling paint in older homes. Others are exposed
through dust or soil that has been contaminated by old paint or past
emissions of leaded gasoline. Since children between the ages of
12-36 months are apt to put things in their mouths, they are more
likely than older children to take in lead. Pregnant women who come
into contact with lead can pass it along to the fetus.
Over 80% of American homes built before 1978 have lead-based paint
in them, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
(CDC). The older the home, the more likely it is to contain lead
paint, and the higher the concentration of lead in the paint is apt
to be. Some homes also have lead in the water pipes or plumbing.
People may have lead in the paint, dust, or soil around their homes
or in their drinking water without knowing it, since lead can't be
seen, smelled, or tasted. Because lead doesn't break down naturally,
it can continue to cause problems until it is removed. |
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| LEAD POISONING RELATED ITEMS |
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