Lead awareness and prevention
Growing up in the 60s, it was common to hear about lead – mainly in paint. The mere mention of the word still conjures up images of toddlers eating paint chips from peeling walls near their cribs. Americans were educated about potential health problems, especially in young children. Over time, the focus shifted to other environmental hazards and nowadays, we’re vaguely conscious of the significance of ‘unleaded’ gasoline. Meanwhile, lead poisoning has continued to effect our children – both living and unborn, in more ways than we originally knew possible. And as I become more involved in working with pregnant women, the issue of lead toxicity gains more relevance.
It’s been long known that lead paint was hazardous. So, it was very surprising to discover that so many other possibilities for exposure exist. In 2008, we still need to beware of contamination through water from lead pipes, paint, soil, certain crystal, terra cotta, glazed pottery, or ceramic dishes, calcium supplements, cosmetics, hair dyes, antiques, fishing weights, bullets, artist’s paints, stained glass, car batteries, radiators, some inks, metal jewelry, and toys. More recently, imported foods, candies, and folk remedies are gaining attention.
The current remodeling boon, especially among older homes, poses yet another threat. Lead dust is created from scraping, sanding and disturbing lead paint during remodeling or even repainting. Just yesterday, I met a young family who’d been renovating their 100-year-old home. Their 16-month-old started displaying muscle weakness. Someone mentioned lead poisoning, so they took him in for testing. The results? Positive. Sigh. You can imagine their anguish.
When absorbed into the body, lead can damage vital organs like the brain and kidneys, as well as the nerves and blood. Children under the age of 7 are at highest risk because their bodies are still developing. Symptoms can vary from nausea, abdominal pain, and vomiting, to headache, weakness and irritability, to no symptoms at all. Adults with prior exposure may have lead stored in their bones. For women, that lead can lie dormant and later, during pregnancy, make its way to their baby through the bloodstream.
In adults, lead can cause reproductive problems, memory loss, and muscle or joint pain. Women may experience high blood pressure during pregnancy, putting them at risk for premature labor and cesarean section. Exposure during pregnancy can harm babies before they are born, putting them at risk for low birth weight, premature delivery, miscarriage, stillbirth, diminished intelligence, lower IQ, behavioral problems, development delays, impaired hearing, and liver and kidney damage.
The good news is that lead poisoning is preventable. Besides avoiding the aforementioned sources of contamination, pregnant women and families can protect their children by following some simple steps.
If you live in or regularly visit a home built before 1978:
Stop renovating, remodeling, or repainting immediately until you can test your home for lead paint or dust.
Ask your doctor about blood lead screening to test you and your children.
Have your water tested for lead. Use only cold tap water (never hot) for cooking, drinking, and mixing your baby’s formula.
Wash children’s toys and hands (and yours) often to remove traces of lead dust.
When gardening, wear gloves, use soil furthest away from your home and wash your hands.
Wash down floors, windowsills, ledges or any dusty places often with a wet mop or cloth (have someone else do it if you are pregnant).
Other ways to protect yourself and children:
Get early prenatal care and continue with regular check-ups.
Avoid hobbies that use lead components or supplies. Read labels on furniture refinishing or paint products, and other arts and craft supplies.
Move towards a healthier diet. Foods rich in iron (beef liver, oatmeal, dark leafy greens, prunes), calcium (low-fat milk, cheese or yogurt, tofu, salmon, spinach), vitamin C (citrus fruits, broccoli), and zinc (almonds, dark meat poultry) can lower lead levels. Avoid fatty, fried, and sugary foods which may actually enhance lead absorption.
Remove plastic or vinyl mini-blinds and replace with lead-free, non-toxic ones.
Cook, store and serve food in safe, non-toxic plastic and glass containers. Avoid crystal, ceramic, pottery, silver, or pewter.
Remove shoes upon entering your home. If you work around or with lead, remove your clothes before entering your home and shower as soon as possible to prevent spreading lead dust.
Discuss ways to eliminate exposure with your health care provider.
Check with your state and local government for programs in your area or the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s website.