Children and Lead Poisoning
Even if we live in a new house with all the latest things done to protect our children, from the paint used on the walls to the paint used on their toys, are our children really safe from lead poisoning? Lead poisoning consciousness has been fading in and out of the public’s attention. With all the advanced technology used in products that are used on and for children, we can’t help but ask, are our children really safe from lead poisoning?
Lead poisoning in children especially those less than 6 years old is no joke. It can cause severe physical problems like damaged kidneys and central nervous system, interference in blood cell formation and worse, death. High blood levels of lead can cause developmental delays, permanent learning disabilities, fine motor coordination issues and a drop in IQ level. The government has already implemented strict rules by banning the use of lead-based paint, lead plumbing supplies and eventually slowly phasing out lead in gasoline. Although lead poisoning incidence in children has dramatically dropped, we can’t let our guards down. The current permissible lead blood level is 10 micrograms per deciliter but in one study, children that are below the threshold still shows the ill effects of lead poisoning with the most pronounced at the lower levels. So we ask just how much is too much. Just to be on the safe side, kids should have a blood lead level of below 5 micrograms per deciliter. This can be attainable without parents being obsesive/compulsive on the safety of their children.
Blood screening should be considered as a safety net, as a last recourse. First and foremost on the list is prevention because there is a saying that goes, “an ounce of prevention is better than a pound of cure”. In present and modern homes, most of the paint used is lead-free but children, especially toddlers and younger babies that are learning to crawl and walk, can be exposed though their toys, the floor on which they are playing and even on window sills and frames. So what are the precautions and preventive measures that parents can do? The following are some of the things that parents can do:
1. Check that your entire house is painted in lead-free paint and make sure that there are no peelings on the wall which can be ingested by your young ones.
2. If you are planning on renovating, remodeling or repainting your home, arrange for your kids to stay at your relative’s house until all of the renovations is done and cleared away. This way, they can’t get in contact with all the debris and dust. If your wife is pregnant, she must stay away from the renovation as well because lead ingested during pregnancy can have devastating results on the baby’s development.
3. Your barn, garage or workshop is a no-no for young children because there are many things that are hazardous to them. Dispose of all your batteries properly. Your tackle box is also off limits to your kids.
4. After playing in the park and playground, make sure that you wash your child’s hands properly. Aside from germs, paint from the swings or monkey bars can adhere to your child’s hands. Change his clothes as well.
5. Check your plumbing system. Replace old pipes with new lead-free ones. Refrain from using brass fittings in your faucets especially if you are fond of using hot water.
6. Have your water checked for lead content. It may not be safe and it is best that you will know.