Monday, December 22, 2008

Lead poisoning

Childhood lead poisoning is one of the most common pediatric health problems in the United States today, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. In the United States, children under age 6 has lead poisoning. Lead is a poison that is harmful to young childrens nervous systems. Low level lead poisoning can reduce intelligence, motor control, hearing and emotional development.

Children with blood levels as low as micrograms of lead per deciliter of blood can have health problems. This level is equivalent to just over 1 part in a million, like one drop in gallons a bath size amount. Adults exposed to lead can become irritable, and can have reduced muscle coordination and damage to kidneys, sperm cells, developing fetuses and nerves associated with the senses.

Leads effects on young children are worse, for several reasons Children are involved in more hand to mouth activities, and lead tastes sweet. Young bodies absorb lead more readily. A childs developing central nervous system brain is more easily harmed by lead. A blood test is the best way to detect lead poisoning. Low level lead poisoning is invisible. It causes no immediate symptoms such as a fever to alert you to the problem. What causes lead poisoning Lead based paint in bad condition in the home is the major source of lead poisoning.

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