Lead Poisoning Kristin Gustin

Lead Poisoning Lead exposure is one of the most common preventable poisonings of childhood. More than 4% of children in the U.S. have lead poisoning. Rates of lead poisoning are higher in large cities, and among people with lower incomes. Lead poisoning occurs when lead builds up in the body, often over a period of months or years. Signs and symptoms don’t usually occur until dangerous amounts have accumulated.

Most Common Sources of Lead Poisoning in Children Lead-based paint and lead-contaminated dust in older buildings Lead in house paint hasn’t been used since 1978, but older homes and apartments may still have it. Contaminated air, water, or soil Children can get lead poisoning from chewing on pieces of peeling paint or by swallowing household dust or soil that contains lead from paint or leaded gasoline.

Other Possible Sources Lead pipes, brass plumbing fixtures and copper pipes soldered with lead can release lead particles into tap water. Although lead solder in food cans in banned in the U.S., it is still used in some countries. Some cases of lead poisoning have been traced to use of certain traditional medicines Greta or Azarcon: a Hispanic remedy taken for upset stomach, constipation, diarrhea and vomiting. Also used to soothe teething babies. Litargirio: used as a deodorant, especially in the Dominican Republic Ba-baw-san: Chinese herbal remedy used to treat colic pain in babies Ghasard: used as a tonic in India Daw tway: a digestive aid used in Thailand (contains high levels of lead and arsenic)

Lead can also sometimes be found in: Soil: Lead particles from leaded gasoline or paint can last for years. Still a major problem around highways and in some urban settings. Pottery: Glazes found on some ceramics, china, and porcelain can contain lead that may leach into food. Toys: Lead is sometimes found in toys and other products from abroad.

What problems can lead cause? High levels of lead in the body can cause problems with the brain, kidneys, and bone marrow. Symptoms may include: stomach pain, headaches, vomiting, confusion, muscle weakness, seizures, hair loss and anemia Lower levels of lead in the body can cause: Trouble paying attention Behavior problems Weight loss Loss of appetite Fatigue Learning difficulties Slowed growth

Treatment Remove source of contamination For low lead levels, avoiding exposure may be enough to reduce blood lead levels. Your local health department can recommend ways to identify and reduce lead in your home and community. Chelation therapy: A medication binds with the lead so that it’s excreted in the urine. EDTA therapy: A chemical treatment for high lead levels. May need more than one treatment depending on lead level. In very severe cases, it may not be possible to reverse damage that has already occurred.

Information for Families and Staff If you live in a house or apartment built before 1978, ask your doctor about blood lead testing. Remove peeling paint from all surfaces. Repaint the rooms to seal in the lead paint. When remodeling, seal off rooms that are being worked on. If there are a lot of older houses in your neighborhood being remodeled, have everyone wipe their feet and take off shoes before coming in to lower the chance of tracking in contaminated soil. Wash children’s hands and faces before meals. Talk to doctor and local health department for more ways to lower exposure to lead.

Training Needs for Administrators, Staff, and Families Lead poisoning is preventable, so everyone should be trained on ways to eliminate or reduce exposure to lead. Could have parent/staff trainings, pamphlets, and newsletters Training should include signs and symptoms of lead exposure, so that if it occurs, it will be recognized. If a child has irreversible damage from high levels lead poisoning, extra training or information may be needed to care for specific health care needs or learning difficulties. Communicate with families, doctors, therapists, or other specialists who may work with the child.

NICHCY Fact Sheet Lead Poisoning What is Lead Poisoning? Lead poisoning is one of the most common preventable poisonings of childhood. Lead poisoning occurs when lead builds up in the body, often over a period of months or years. Signs and symptoms usually don’t occur until dangerous amounts of lead have accumulated. More than 4% of children in the U.S. have lead poisoning. Rates of lead poisoning are higher in large cities, and among people with lower incomes. What Causes Lead Poisoning? The most common sources of lead poisoning in children are lead-based paint, lead-contaminated dust in older buildings, and contaminated air, water, or soil. Children can get lead poisoning from chewing on pieces of peeling paint or by swallowing dust or soil that contains lead from paint or leaded gasoline. Other possible sources could be: Lead pipes, brass plumbing fixtures and copper pipes soldered with lead Lead solder in food cans (banned in the U.S., but still used in some countries Certain traditional medicines: Greta, Azarcon, Litargirio, Ba-baw-san, Ghasard, Daw tway Pottery: Glazes found on some ceramics, china, and porcelain can contain lead and leach into food Toys: Lead is sometimes found in toys and other products from abroad Signs and Symptoms High levels of lead in the body can cause problems with the brain, kidneys, and bone marrow. Symptoms may include: stomach pain, headaches, vomiting, confusion, muscle weakness, seizures, hair loss, and anemia Lower levels of lead in the body can cause: Trouble paying attention, behavior problems, weight loss, loss of appetite, fatigue, learning difficulties, and slowed growth Treatment The most important part of treatment is to remove the source of contamination. For low lead levels, avoiding exposure may be enough to reduce blood lead levels. You can call your local health department to find ways to identify and reduce lead in your home and community. Chelation therapy: This is a medication that binds with the lead so that it is excreted in the urine. EDTA therapy: This is a chemical treatment for high lead levels. Depending on the lead level, the child may need more than one treatment. In very severe cases, it may be impossible to reverse damage that has already occurred. Tips for Parents and Teachers If you live in a house or apartment built before 1978, ask your doctor about blood lead testing Remove peeling paint from all surfaces. Repaint the rooms to seal in the lead paint When remodeling, seal off rooms that are being worked on to keep contaminated dust out of other rooms Have everyone wipe their feet and take off shoes before coming in to lower the chance of tracking in contaminated soil Always wash children’s hands and faces before meals Talk to doctor and local health department for more ways to lower exposure to lead

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