Lead poisoning takes place any time lead builds up within the body, frequently during a period of months or years. Sometimes small quantities of lead could potentially cause significant medical problems. Children younger than 6 year-old are particularly susceptible to lead poisoning, which often can seriously affect physical and mental growth. At extremely high amounts, lead poisoning could be deadly.
Lead-based paint and lead-contaminated debris in more aged structures are classified as the most typical sources of lead poisoning in kids. Other sources involve contaminated soil, water and air. Adults exactly who work with battery packs, home remodeling or in auto repair shops may also come in contact with lead.
While therapy for this is readily available for lead poisoning, some straightforward safety measures can certainly help avoid it.
Lead Poisoning Symptoms
There are various possible signs and symptoms of lead poisoning. Lead can impact various body parts. Just one high dose of lead could potentially cause serious emergency symptoms. Listed here are the common lead poisoning symptoms:
- Abdominal pain and cramping (most of the first sign of a very high, toxic dose of lead poison)
- Aggressive actions
- Constipation
- Anemia
- Headaches
- Difficulty sleeping
- Loss of earlier developmental capabilities (in children)
- Irritability
- Reduced sensations
- Low appetite and energy
Lead Poisoning Home Treatment
- If you suspect you may have lead paint in your house, get advice on safe removal from the Housing and Urban Development (HUD) at 800-RID-LEAD or the National Information Center at 800-LEAD-FYI. Another excellent source of information is the National Lead Information Center at (800) 424-5323.
- Have everyone wash their hands before eating.
- Keep your home as dust-free as possible.
- Let tap water run for a minute before drinking or cooking with it.
- Throw out old painted toys if you do not know whether the paint contains lead.
- Avoid canned goods from foreign countries until the ban on lead soldered cans goes into effect.
- If your water has tested high in lead, consider installing an effective filtering device or switch to bottled water for drinking and cooking.
- Don’t store wine, spirits, or vinegar-based salad dressings in lead crystal decanters for long periods of time, because lead can get into the liquid.
- If imported wine containers have a lead foil wrapper, wipe the rim and neck of the bottle with a towel moistened with lemon juice, vinegar, or wine before using.
Lead poisoning is the main reason why testing for lead is necessary for children and adults.
Source: MidlinePlus and UMM Edu.
