Submitted by: Hyun-Jeong Lee, Ph.D., Assistant Professor/Housing Specialist
Heneman, K., and Zidenberg-Cherr, S. October – December 2006. “Is Lead Toxicity Still a Risk to U.S. Children?” California Agriculture 60 (4): 180-184.
Introduction
Lead is highly toxic and can be found in products we may contact in and around our homes on a daily basis (U.S. Environmental Protection Agency [EPA] 2007). According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [CDC] surveillance data (CDC 2007), the rate of children who were found to have significant amount of lead in their blood (at or above 10 microgram per one deciliter, 10μg/dL) was declined from 1997 to 2005. However, EPA (2004) estimates that the United States still have 430,000 children age between 1 and 5 with blood-lead level (BLL) above 10μg/dL. Furthermore, the U.S. children are still exposed to the lead poisoning risks through many sources. The researchers of this study summarize current issues on U.S. children lead poisoning problems.
Main Ideas
Where We Find Lead
In the past, lead was used to make paint for easier application and lead-based paint (more than 0.06% lead by weight), remains in old houses, furniture, and even on children’s toys. In 1978, the Consumer Product Safety Commission prohibited to use lead-based paint on interior and exterior residential surfaces, toys, and furniture (CDC 1991). This means residents living in houses built after 1978 have less chance of exposure to lead hazards than pre-1978 house residents do. It does not mean that post-1978 houses are free from lead poisoning risk. Some older house plumbing contains lead and you may absorb it by drinking water directly from the old plumbing. We also can absorb lead from dust in the air we breathe. Lead can also come into your home if any of your household members works with lead and does not clean his/her body and clothes before coming home. Surprisingly, lead is still found on pottery, ceramic cookware, toys and even candies that are imported from certain foreign countries.
Lead Poisoning and Health Impact
Lead poisoning was referred as “one of the most common and preventable pediatric health problems.” the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (CDC 1991). Lead poisoning influences children much more seriously than adults. There are many reasons that young children have higher risk of lead poisoning and lead poisoning more seriously affects their health. In comparison to adults, in regards to body size, children drink more water, eat more food, and breathe more air. Their bodies are growing and absorb more lead. Lead damages their brain and nervous system are more easily. Most of all, they usually chew and suck almost everything (EPA 2007).
High levels of lead in children body may damage their brains, nervous system, and kidney, reduce IQ, slow down growth, and cause hearing problems. In addition, lead can cause behavior and learning problems and can result in coma, convulsions, and even death (EPA 2007; CDC 1991).
Suggestions to Prevent Lead Poisoning in Children
Consult your doctor for a blood lead level screening test if your children are age 72 months or younger, especially if you are living in a house built before 1978. Wash yourself and your babies often to reduce absorbance of lead. If you see any paint chips, clean them immediately. Regularly clean dust from your floors, window frames, windowsills, and other surface weekly. If you think your home has a lead problem contact professionals for inspection and necessary abatement. Children who eat nutritious foods with high iron and calcium (e.g., spinach and dairy products) tend to absorb less lead to their body. Make sure your children eat good foods to prevent lead poisoning (EPA, 2007).
Implications for Extension Programs
Outreach education activities of childhood lead poisoning prevention need to reach underserved populations, including low-income families reside in poor quality old houses and minorities speaking foreign languages, to emphasize the dangers of lead and teach families to reduce the harmful effects of lead in their child’s environment.
Further Information
Please visit EPA and CDC websites below for up-to-date information on children lead poisoning prevention:
Also, you can visit Florida Department of Health Lead Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program for information.
Additional References
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (1991). A statement by the centers for disease control and prevention. Retrieved on March 7, 2007.
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. (2004). Measure B1: Lead in the blood of children. Retrieved on March 7, 2007.
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. (2007). Lead in paint, dust, and soil. Retrieved on March 7, 2007.
