lead poisoning prevention in migrant populations bonnie l. hinds extension specialist may 2013 1
TRANSCRIPT
Lead PoisoningPrevention in
Migrant Populations
Bonnie L. HindsExtension Specialist
May 2013 1
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In 2013, lead poisoning remainsthe #1 environmental threat tothe health of America’s children,
as well as a health risk forpeople of all ages.
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Migrant workers and their families are likely encounter heightened risks
of lead poisoning.
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Leading Cause of Lead Poisoning ADULTS
Ninety-five (95) percent of all adultlead poisonings are related to occupational
exposure.
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Lead in SOIL
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Leading Cause of Lead Poisoning CHILDREN
Lead poisoning in children is most often associated withdeteriorating lead-based
paint in the home.
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Because lead was not abolished for
use in house paint until 1978, any
home built before that time may
contain lead-based paint.
Conservative estimates indicate that at least25 percent of all American housing was built
before 1978.
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Lead-Based Paint DUST
Intact (encased) lead-based paint may not be
problematic. Areas, however that are
vulnerable to weathering and friction (such as windows and
doors) present major risks.Leaded paint degrades into fine,
virtually invisiblelead dust.
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The inhalation of leadDUST is the most
common and troublesome method of
exposure.
It takes only a tiny amount of dust to
poison a child. Lead dust is virtually
invisible.
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Lead Absorption• Children absorb 50 percent of ingested lead
and retain at least 30 percent.
• Adults absorb 15 percent of ingested lead and retain less than 5 percent.
• Both children and adults absorb and retain as much as 70 percent of inhaled lead.
• Lead is stored in the kidneys, liver, bones (marrow), and brain. A healthy diet, low in
fat and rich in calcium and iron, will helpinhibit lead absorption.
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Lead poisoned mothers have lead poisoned babies, as lead crosses the placental barrier.
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A home’s water supply mayalso be affected if the plumbing
is copper.
Lead solder usually seals connection joints. This lead can
leach into the water,particularly when water is
heated.
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Lead in Consumer Goods
Lead is found in the glaze of much Mexican pottery; it provides stability to vinyl and plastic,and confers flame retardancy to a number of
household products.
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Sleep disturbancesHeadache
Hearing impairmentDigestive problems
Kidney damageAnemia
More commonly, children show no signs of physical illness
whatsoever.
However . . .
Physical Symptoms of Lead Poisoning:
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Children’s Brain Development
Fully 90 percent of a child’sbrain development is
accomplished by the age ofFIVE.
While blood lead levels canbe decreased by removing
the source of exposure, neurological damage is
irreversible.Lead poisoning results in
diminished IQ.
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Socio-Behavioral Effects of Lead Poisoning
• Irritability• Aggression
• Hyperactivity• Diminished attention span• Criminal andviolent behavior
• Reduction in graduation rates and educational attainment.
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Lead “Reference Value” – May 2012Lead poisoning is determined by measuring the
amount of lead in an individual’s blood.Reference values are in micrograms of lead
per deciliter of blood (µg/dL).
Until May of 2012, the blood lead level of concernfor children was 10 µg/dL. Following the
recommendation of an advisory committee, theCDC officially lowered the level
to 5 µg/dL in acknowledgement of mountingevidence that shows significant neurologicaldamage is occurring at these lower levels.
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Lead poisoning is 100% preventable!!
Keep floors, window frames, and window sills CLEAN with
soap/household cleaner andwarm water.
Keep children’s hands CLEAN (especially before meals) with
soap and warm water.
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Follow lead testing guidelines!
The state of Tennessee and the American Academy of Pediatrics recommend a routine blood test
for all children at the age of 12 and 24 months.
It requires only a capillary blood test(finger prick).
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Questions? Additional Information?
Bonnie L. [email protected]
865-974-8178fcs.tennessee.edu/lead
CDC – www.cdc.gov/nceh/leadEPA – www.epa.gov/lead
Contact me for free materials in English and/or Spanish!