17. Get the Lead Out - Lead Poisoning Dangers

Lead poisoning affects many children. In late 1991, the Secretary of the Dept. of Health and Human Services called lead the “number one environmental threat to the health of children in the United States.”

Research has shown that lead exposure affects practically all bodily systems and lead levels at or above 80 micrograms per deciliter of blood can cause convulsions, coma and be fatal. According to the national Centers for Disease Control and Prevention lead poisoning can cause learning disabilities and behavioral problems.

Blood lead levels at 10 micrograms per deciliter can impair mental and physical development. Children are more vulnerable than adults, because it is more easily absorbed into a growing body.

A blood test can determine if a child has lead poisoning.

A big source of lead poisoning is old painted trim in houses, dating from before 1978 when lead paint was banned from the United States.

Old children’s furniture or toys could have been painted with lead-based paint, also.

To reduce the risk of lead poisoning the United States Government Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has these recommendations:

“- Keep areas where children play as dust-free and clean as possible.
- Leave lead-based paint undisturbed if it is in good condition; do not sand or burn off paint that may contain lead.
- Do not remove lead paint yourself.
- Do not bring lead dust into the home.
- If your work or hobby involves lead, change clothes and use doormats before entering your home.
- Eat a balanced diet, rich in calcium and iron.”

For more in-depth reading on lead poisoning and lead paint abatement go to this web site:
Hazardous Waste & Toxics Reduction Program
http://www.ecy.wa.gov/programs/hwtr/demodebris/pages2/leadsample.html

Article by Susan Kramer

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More Health and Safety Lessons:

1. A Lesson in Giving Food
2. Backyard Physical Activities
3. Create a Safe Outdoor Space for Kids
4. Halloween Safety Ideas for Kids of all Abilities
5. Harsh Weather Tips
6. Holiday Safety for Kids
7. Holistic Living Benefits All Kids
8. Illness or Accident Leading to a Challenge
9. Make Autumn a Time for Kids' Yearly Checkups
10. Street Safety Tips for Kids

11. Teach Kids a Relaxation Technique
12. The New Classroom or School when Challenged
13. Walking and Talking with Kids
14. Warm Up Exercises Outdoors in Cold Weather
15. Winter Tips for Challenged Kids
16. Mercury and Developmental Problems
17. Get the Lead Out - Lead Poisoning Dangers

email - susan@susankramer.com SusanKramer.com Publishing - http://www.susankramer.com/books.html
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