Lead
is a toxic metal that is harmful if inhaled or swallowed. Lead is found in air, soil, dust,food
and water. The greatest exposure to lead is swallowing or breathing lead paint
chips and dust. Another risk is drinking water contaminated by lead plumbing or
water lines. Blood lead levels in the US dropped dramatically after 1978 with
the ban on lead in gasoline. Blood
lead levels continue to drop, but no safe threshold has been identified.
Current efforts and recommendations focus on primary prevention. Lead
is especially dangerous to infants and toddlers because they live close to
the ground with their hands in dust and soil; and their favorite way to explore
anything is to put it in their mouths.
Also, growing bodies absorb more lead and growing brains and nervous
systems are more sensitive to harmful effects.Blood lead levels peak around
age 2 when most toddlers stop chewing on everything in reach; then they decline
without treatment unless exposure continues. Here’s
the big worry: harmful effects are long lasting, perhaps permanent,
potentially including brain and nervous system damage resulting in lower IQ and
behavior problems (reduced ability to pay attention and follow instructions,
hyperactivity, aggression, reading disabilities, hearing and balance problems).
These symptoms can occur even with low exposures. The
source of most lead poisoning in children is dust and chips from lead paint
on interior surfaces. Lead paint was taken off the market in the 1970s. But it
is still present in homes built before 1978. In most cases, lead paint in good
condition is not a hazard. But when it chips, peels, or flakes; and when it is
sanded or otherwise disturbed, it’s highly toxic. U.S. water sources are lead free, but old plumbing can be toxic. (The Latin word for plumbing translates literally as lead.) Children
living in poverty are most at risk. The American Academy of Pediatrics
recommends that all Medicaid-eligible children be tested for lead at age1 and
again at age 2. Medicaid covers the two
tests and requires one at age 2, which may be too late to prevent
damage. Other children should be
tested if their living conditions or parents’ occupations warrant. Beginnings
Parents Guide first addresses lead poisoning on a page 26 (Book 1, 2-12
weeks).. The text focuses on avoiding Baby’s exposure to lead carried on the
shoes, clothes and skin of parents/caregivers in certain occupations. The new
2012 edition will add content to aid parents in assessing and ensuring the
safety of their home, particularly the presence of lead paint and lead
plumbing. Test
all Medicaid eligible children at age 1 and 2. The current edition suggests a lead test at six months, and
includes a self-test for parents to determine if their chid needs a lead test.
This information will be revised and relocated to reflect the policy of testing
all Medicaid eligible children at age 1 and 2 years, and other at-risk
children, including those who spend time in a home built before 1978. New
Resources on this Beginnings Guides website. Find out about lead in
drinking water in your area. National Hotlines and the National Lead Info
Center. Info for families renting, repairing or painting a home built before
1978. Find a Lead-Safe certified contractor near you. References: American
Academy of Pediatrics, Committee on Environmental Health. (2005) Policy
Statement. Lead Exposure in Children: Prevention, Detection, and Management. Pediatrics 116 (4) p1036-1046 Note,
this policy was reaffirmed in 2009 National Lead Information
Center 1-800-424-LEAD (S -
list the numbers for LEAD in parens) www.epa.gov/lead |
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CategoriesBeginnings GuidesHealth Education Health Literacy Parenting Education Prenatal Education |
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