Lead

Lead poisoning, also known as plumbism, colica pictorum, saturnism, Devon colic, or painter's colic, is a type of metal poisoning and a medical condition in humans and other vertebrates caused by increased levels of the heavy metal lead in the body. Lead interferes with a variety of body processes and is toxic to many organs and tissues including the heart, bones, intestines, kidneys, and reproductive and nervous systems. It interferes with the development of the nervous system and is therefore particularly toxic to children, causing potentially permanent learning and behavior disorders. Symptoms include abdominal pain, confusion, headache, anemia, irritability, and in severe cases seizures, coma, and death.

Routes of exposure to lead include contaminated air, water, soil, food, and consumer products. Occupational exposure is a common cause of lead poisoning in adults. According to estimates made by the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), more than 3 million workers in the United States are potentially exposed to lead in the workplace. One of the largest threats to children is lead paint that exists in many homes, especially older ones; thus children in older housing with chipping paint or lead dust from moveable window frames with lead paint are at greater risk. Prevention of lead exposure can range from individual efforts (e.g., removing lead-containing items such as piping or blinds from the home) to nationwide policies (e.g., laws that ban lead in products, reduce allowable levels in water or soil, or provide for cleanup and mitigation of contaminated soil, etc.      

Some sources of lead in the environment…. LEAD PAINT. Lead was added to paint to increase its flexibility and to reduce cracking and flaking. Lead also blocked mold and helped create brighter colors. Lead-based paint, like all paint, deteriorates over time. Deterioration creates dust and chips that can poison humans if inhaled, eaten, or absorbed In 1950 paint makers were forced to reduce the amount of lead they used in paint. In 1978 lead was banned completely from use in household paints. SOIL. Lead was used in gasoline until 1984. Before that, automobiles produced leaded emissions that broadcast lead particles onto roadsides and yards. These emissions, combined with chipping lead-based paint on home exteriors, contaminate the soil surrounding houses, garages, and other structures. WATER. Lead was used as plumbing solder for pipes in structures built before 1978. Water that sits in these pipes may absorb lead. Hot water is more likely to do this than cold water. If you want to find out more go to this website…http://www.health.ny.gov/environmental/lead/sources.htm

You can find many ways on how to prevent childhood lead poisoning prevention   there are a lot so just look at this link…http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/lead-poisoning/basics/prevention/CON-20035487

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