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A few months ago, US toy company and Chinese toy manufacturer recalled millions of toys sold in the US, due to the excess lead on the paintings of the surface of the toys. Why lead is so dangerous and harmful for people, especially children?
The hand-outs from my practitioner gave me detailed information about the damage caused by exposing to lead. I put down in today’s post, hoping it will help you and your baby to be aware of lead safety.
What is Lead? Lead is a shiny colored metal. It is found naturally in the earth’s crust. Lead has been used in paint, and some vinyl products, such as mini-blinds. Lead and/or lead dust become a health hazard when it is taken into the body through breathing or swallowing.
Effects of Lead Exposure: Lead is not typically considered harmful in its natural state. It is only processed or recycled lead that can become a health hazard. Fine particles of processed or recycled lead and/or lead dust becomes a health hazard when it is taken into the body through inhalation (breathing) and/or ingestion (swallowing).
Lead affects almost every organ and system in the body. The effects are the same whether it is breathed or swallowed. Lead damages the brain, central nervous system, kidneys, and immune system.
Sources of Lead Exposure:
- Paint-lead dust can be formed when lead based painted surfaces/objects rub together or are dry scraped, sanded or heated. This dust can get on things that we touch. Lead based paint may be a hazard on surfaces that get a lot of use/work such as doors, windows and sills, railing, porches, stairs, fences, etc. Lead dust from lead based paint can get into the air and settle on objects in our environment. This dust can re-enter the air when we sweep, vacuum, or walk through it.
- Water-sources such as pipes and faucets either made with lead or joined together with lead can contaminate the water we use.
- Food-food that is grown in soil that contains lead is a source of lead exposure. Lead can get into food or liquids when they are stored in stored in lead crystal, ceramic ware, or in cans with lead seams.
- Soil- sources of soil exposures include previous highway pollution from back when gasoline contained lead and the fumes settled on the nearby soil areas. Also lead from lead painted buildings that are peeling/flaking fall into the soil.
- Other sources- sources of lead exposure can include making stained glass or refinishing of furniture, pottery making, folk remedies that contain lead such as “Azarcon”, “Greta”, Pay-loo-ah”, “Marie Luisa”, “bali-goli”. Mini-blinds and some cosmetics can be sources of lead exposure.
Symptoms of Lead Exposure:
Many times there are NO symptoms of lead exposure, especially at low exposure levels. When symptoms are present they can include:
- Headaches
- Abdominal pain
- Changes in mood
- Anemia (low iron in the blood)
- Muscle or joint pain
- Tiredness
Lead in Pregnancy: As is well known, lead in a pregnant woman’s body does cross the placenta and enters the body of the fetus. This crossing over is thought to occur at all levels including less than 10 micrograms per deciliter.
Placental transfer of lead can begin within the first trimester of gestation and can continue throughout fetal development. Changes that occur during pregnancy can call upon the body to release stored minerals. Because the body is unable to distinguish between calcium and lead stores, lead is often released along with other minerals.
Lead stored in the pregnant woman’s bones can be released into the fetus’ brain, bones and other organs.Unborn babies that are exposed to lead may be more likely to be born prematurely and can be of smaller birth weight. There are studies that suggest that lead exposure may be a contributing factor to miscarriage, fetuses exposed to lead can have both learning and behavior problems.
The level of concern in pregnant women has not been clearly identified. At present there is insufficient clinical knowledge or experience with any chelating regimen(s) to recommend treating pregnant women who have elevated blood lead levels. Until clinical research is conducted and results evaluated, no recommendations can be made. Regardless, it still remains important to educate the pregnant woman regarding lead poisoning inclusive of prevention strategies.
Present Exposure: A pregnant women who breathes in or swallows lead, gets it into her blood stream and passes it though the placenta (the organ that supplies oxygen and nutrients to the baby). The lead gets into the unborn baby’s bones and organs including the brain.
Past Exposure: Lead enters the mothers’ blood stream and some gets stored in her bones where it can remain for many years. During pregnancy, the body needs minerals stored in the bones.
Lead may be released along with other minerals, and pass through the placenta into the baby’s bones, organs and brain. Past exposure to lead should be a consideration in terms of a possible risk factor. This information should be communicated to the pregnant woman’s physician/specialist along with discussion regarding blood lead testing.
Children exposed to lead before birth may have learning and behavior problems. Lead may also increase the risk of a premature birth, a low birth weight baby, or a miscarriage.
Ways to Reduce Lead Exposure in Pregnancy:
- Consider getting tested for lead. A physician or local health department can do testing. Blood tests can measure the amount of lead in the blood. If there is lead in the blood, steps can be taken by you to limit the exposure, help lower the amount of lead in the system, and reduce the family’s exposure. Regular prenatal check ups are important to both the pregnant woman and the unborn child.
- Clean floors, window sills/frames and other suspect areas by mopping or sponge cleaning with warm water and a general all-purpose cleaner weekly. Rinse sponges and mops well after cleaning any dusty/dirty areas.
- Use a vacuum with a HEPA filter. This type of vacuum will trap lead particles, carefully empty the contents collected. Use water to moisten contents and limit the spread of dust particles.
- Eat nutritious meals that are high in folic acid, calcium and iron. Eat a good variety of foods from the five (5) food groups whenever possible.
- Hot water directly from the faucet is more likely to contain higher levels of lead if there is lead in the water or piping. Avoid making coffee, cocoa, soups or other drinks using hot tap water. Once the baby is born, AVOID USING HOT TAP WATER TO MAKE FORMULA, CEREALS, OR OTHER FOODS/DRINKS FOR THE BABY/CHILD. Have your water tested; contact your Local Health Department for information, if you suspect a problem. Let the cold water run for at least 30 seconds before drinking it or using it in cooking.
- Foods and liquids should not be served or left in open cans with lead seams, in lead crystal or ceramic ware/pottery that could be lead glazed. Avoid drinking hot liquids out of ceramic type containers if you are not sure about the type of glazing it may have had.
- Wash hands especially after cleaning and before meals/snacks. Remove shoes before entering your home to reduce bringing lead from soil into your home.
- Be choosy about the types of hobbies you do that could expose you to lead, for example: Refinishing furniture, making leaded stained glass.
- Avoid using products that contain lead such as cosmetics and folk remedies that are not made here in the United States.
- Mini blinds that are made outside the United States may contain Lead. If you are unsure where yours were made replace them with blinds that are “Lead-Free or made without lead additives”.
- Don’t remove lead paint; let trained professionals remove it. If remodeling is necessary, find temporary place to stay, until the remodeling is finished and the work area is cleaned properly.
- If you do not own your home or are renting, be sure to let your landlord know if you have painted surfaces that are chipping, peeling or worn.
- If your job has lead hazards, talk with your doctor or supervisor right away if you are pregnant or may be planning a future pregnancy. If a household member works with lead on their job, make sure the person showers and changes clothes BEFORE coming home. Wash work clothes separately from all other laundry. Be aware that household members can also have hobbies that involve exposure to lead.
