Lead Effects on Children and Adults

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Lead is a dense metallic element that is malleable, soft, ductile and bluish-white, extracted chiefly from galena mineral. It is used in the manufacturing of containers and pipes because of its anti-corrosion properties, solder and type metal, radiation shielding, bullets, in paints and as antiknock compound added to gasoline to reduce engine knocking.

This metal is a relatively poor conductor of electricity. It easily tarnishes when exposed to air and is very resistant to corrosion.  This metal is a natural occurring element found in small amounts in the earth’s crust.  It is found to have some beneficial uses but can be toxic and harmful to humans and animals.

Where Lead is Found

Lead can be found in almost all parts of our environment, the soil, the water, the air, and even in our homes. However, much of our exposure actually comes from human activities such as; some types of industrial facilities, use of fossil fuels, including the ended use of leaded gasoline and the done use of lead-based paint in homes.

Lead and its compounds are also used in a wide variety of products found in and around our homes, including ceramics, paint, pipes and plumbing materials, batteries and solders, ammunition and even in cosmetics.

The element can be released to the air from its past and current uses.  Metal emitted into the environment typically comes from industrial facility sources like smelters and their contaminated sites.

The natural level of this metal in soil is between 50 and 400 parts per million, but mining, smelting, and refining activities have resulted in substantial increases in lead levels in our environment, mostly on near mining and smelting sites. Airborne metal elements from industrial sources or vehicles can travel long distances before it settles to the ground and usually sticks to soil particles. Furthermore, dependent on its composition and soil characteristics, lead can move from soil into ground water.

Basing on this theory, Federal and State regulatory standards have established regulations to minimize or eliminate the amount of this metal in the air, soil, drinking water, food, consumer products, and even on occupational settings.

Lead Effects on Children

The growing bodies of children absorb more of this element than adults do and their brains and nervous systems are more sensitive to the damaging effects of the metal.  The babies and young children can be highly exposed to it because they tend to put their hands and other objects into their mouths and these can are contaminated from dust or soil.  Children can also be exposed to the metal in such cases as: drinking and eating food containing the element or from glasses and dishes that contains it, inhaling dust from contaminated soil or paint, or from playing with toys with paint.

Effect of Lead on Adults

Like the children, adults can also be exposed to lead by eating or drinking contaminated food and water or from dishes or glasses that contain the element. They may also breathe dust when exposed to areas where lead-based paint is deteriorating or during repair work or renovation activities that normally disturbs painted surfaces in older homes and buildings.

Engaging in hobbies or working on a job where lead is used such as making stained glass, always increases the the chances of exposure.

A pregnant woman’s exposure to lead from these sources is of a high particular concern since it can also expose her developing baby.  Plumbism is the medical term for lead poisoning.

Avoiding Bad Effects of Lead on Children and Adults

Avoid:

• Foreign toys and canned goods not from the U.S.
• Dust in your home.
• Areas where lead paint may have been used.

Clean:

• Hands before eating and after playing
• Faucets and aerators.
• Toys and bottles.

Test:

• Level of lead in your blood and level in young children
• Lead level in your water.

If you hire a contractor, make sure he or she is certified in lead control.

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Lead Effects on Children and Adults

See our home page for more articles for Landlords and Tenants