1. Lead in the EnvironmentBy
Randy Giang
5/17/2006

2. What is lead?
Lead is a naturally occurring bluish-gray metal found in small amounts in the earth's crust.
Lead is a chemical element with the atomic number 82
Extremely poisonous to humans!!

3. Biological function of lead.
Lead has no biological function in the environment
It is cheap useful and easy to mine therefore it is used a lot.
It is everywhere around us like in our air, water, etc…
It is also a big part of everyday things around us.

4. Uses of lead. Paint Petrol Cigarettes Pesticides Solder Ceramic glazes
Smelters
Televisions
Computer monitors
Batteries
Explosives
Pewter
Pipes

5. Short-term lead poisoning affects….
Nausea
Abdominal pain
Irritability
Insomnia
Lethargy
Hyperactivity
Headache
Seizures

6. Long term effects of lead poisoning
small increases in blood pressure
anemia
Severe damage the brain and kidneys
High-level exposure in men can damage the organs responsible for sperm production.

7. Effect of lead on children
Lead poisoning is now recognized internationally, as one of the greatest environmental health risks facing children today.
Since their brain and nervous system are still developing they are more easily damaged by lead.
Children’s bodies will absorb 50% of lead while adults will only absorb 10%

8. History of kids and paint chips
Before 1970 lead was a common ingredient in paint.
Lead has a naturally sweet taste
Therefore children were known to peel paint chips off the wall and eat them
This problem caused many problems involving mental retardation for the children.

9. Effects of lead on unborn fetus
Unborn children can be exposed to lead through their mothers
Harmful effects include premature births, smaller babies
After baby is born problems still occur such as reduced growth
These problems may even persist beyond childhood

10. How lead is absorbed in the body
Lead does not break down in the environment.
Lead is exposed to the environment by cars releasing it into the air, where it travels far distances until it settles and sticks in the soil.
It can also leak into the ground water

11. Lead is absorbed in many ways
Lead can be in our food and water
Lead can be inhaled
Lead can even be absorbed through our skin
Some forms of lead include air, food, sediment, water, and dust

12. How to reduce lead exposure
Renovate house to get rid of old lead pipes and paint
Plant grass on exposed areas of soil
Wash pets as much as possible
Wash all food before cooking

13. What happens to lead after it enters the body
After lead gets into your body it travels from the blood stream to soft tissue
It then gets stored in your bones and teeth
The rest that isn't stored in bones and teeth are urinated out.

14. Leads effect on history
Much of Rome's affluent class suffered from lead-induced gout
Ludwig Van Beethoven suffered from lead poisoning

15. How can I tell how much lead is in my system?
There is a blood test that people can take to check the amount of lead in a persons blood stream
X-Rays can be taken to check the bones,

16. What does the CDC recommend.
Children should be tested at 1 to 2 years old
And again at age 3-6
Children who have higher risk, such as those who lives in old houses with higher exposure to lead should be tested more

17. Unresolved cases involving lead
There are no concluding evidence that lead cause cancer but scientist believe that forms of lead are carcinogens.
Lead contribution to Alzheimer's disease and cognitive decline
Does lead effect dementia?
Does calcium supplement decrease cognitive decline

18. CITATION http://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/toxprofiles/phs13.html