<p>Once the adverse effects of lead were recognised, the western world implemented government actions which drastically reduced the availability of lead in the environment. <br />It is estimated that 40 per cent of children globally have a lead level above 5 micrograms/dl and 20 per cent have levels above 10 micrograms/dl. Ninety per cent of these children live in developing countries.<br /><br />What are the sources of lead?<br /><br />Children come in contact with lead in diverse ways — ingestion of paint containing lead, inhalation of automobile and factory fumes and in some cases, absorption through skin. Paints containing lead chips off in flakes and a child with the habit of pica is at a definite risk. <br /><br />Lead-coated plastic toys that children tend to bite into can be another source of lead poisoning. Children are also exposed to batteries that contain lead. Water flowing through lead pipes also has a high level of lead. Consumption of this water can cause lead poisoning. <br /><br />Ayurvedic medicines is also known to contain lead. Many low cost jewelleries and cosmetics (lipsticks, sindoor, kajal and surma) also contain lead.<br /><br />Workers in factories manufacturing batteries, glass, rubber products, plastics and those working as printers, artistic painters, plumbers, construction workers, metal soldering and welding are exposed to lead at the workplace. <br /><br />Effects of lead on the body<br /><br />Once lead is absorbed into the body, it is distributed to all parts through the blood stream. It circulates into the red blood cells. This can affect the function of certain important enzymes. It affects the full functional maturation of the brain. Lead interferes with the absorption of iron and causes anemia. Children who are exposed to lead for a long duration have been noted to show low IQ level and a short attention span. Lead poisoning can cause hearing impairment. <br /><br />Symptoms begin to appear when blood lead reaches a critical level. If the body’s blood-lead level, BLL, goes above 20 micrograms/dl, the child will start to have frequent abdominal colic, vomitting and a lack of appetite. They can also have headaches, lethargy and convulsions. Lead can easily cross the placenta and affect the developing foetus. Pregnant women should take enough precautions to ensure they are in a lead-free environment. Treatment with a chelating agent is advised for those who have a BLL that’s higher than 45 micrograms/dl. Treatment for the others includes decontamination of the child’s environment.</p>
<p>Once the adverse effects of lead were recognised, the western world implemented government actions which drastically reduced the availability of lead in the environment. <br />It is estimated that 40 per cent of children globally have a lead level above 5 micrograms/dl and 20 per cent have levels above 10 micrograms/dl. Ninety per cent of these children live in developing countries.<br /><br />What are the sources of lead?<br /><br />Children come in contact with lead in diverse ways — ingestion of paint containing lead, inhalation of automobile and factory fumes and in some cases, absorption through skin. Paints containing lead chips off in flakes and a child with the habit of pica is at a definite risk. <br /><br />Lead-coated plastic toys that children tend to bite into can be another source of lead poisoning. Children are also exposed to batteries that contain lead. Water flowing through lead pipes also has a high level of lead. Consumption of this water can cause lead poisoning. <br /><br />Ayurvedic medicines is also known to contain lead. Many low cost jewelleries and cosmetics (lipsticks, sindoor, kajal and surma) also contain lead.<br /><br />Workers in factories manufacturing batteries, glass, rubber products, plastics and those working as printers, artistic painters, plumbers, construction workers, metal soldering and welding are exposed to lead at the workplace. <br /><br />Effects of lead on the body<br /><br />Once lead is absorbed into the body, it is distributed to all parts through the blood stream. It circulates into the red blood cells. This can affect the function of certain important enzymes. It affects the full functional maturation of the brain. Lead interferes with the absorption of iron and causes anemia. Children who are exposed to lead for a long duration have been noted to show low IQ level and a short attention span. Lead poisoning can cause hearing impairment. <br /><br />Symptoms begin to appear when blood lead reaches a critical level. If the body’s blood-lead level, BLL, goes above 20 micrograms/dl, the child will start to have frequent abdominal colic, vomitting and a lack of appetite. They can also have headaches, lethargy and convulsions. Lead can easily cross the placenta and affect the developing foetus. Pregnant women should take enough precautions to ensure they are in a lead-free environment. Treatment with a chelating agent is advised for those who have a BLL that’s higher than 45 micrograms/dl. Treatment for the others includes decontamination of the child’s environment.</p>
