Public Health Services A Shared Service of

Cape Breton District Health Authority (CBDHA) &

Guysborough Antigonish Strait Health Authority (GASHA)

Brochure

Learning ObjectivesIdentify sources of leadDiscuss health effects of leadReview actions for reducing exposures

to lead

Lead SourcesNaturally occurringBlue – gray metalUsed in

Batteries Bullets Solder and lead pipes Ceramic glazes and lead

crystal Medical, scientific and military

equipment Devices that block X-rays

Lead and the Environment

Air – from burning coal and oil, lead smelters, burning solid wastes

Drinking water, from lead pipes, and solder

Rivers, lakes, and oceans contaminated by industry wastes, sewage or air

Lead and the Environment

Dust and soil, especially in old urban areas with lead paint and around landfills

Food – builds up in the food chainPaint – banned in 1978 but still around

How Are We ExposedIngestion (1)

Foods that may contain lead

Fruits Vegetables Meats Grains

Seafood Soft drinks Wine

How Are We ExposedIngestion (2)

Drinking or cookingwith water that contains lead, lead dust from paint, or soil contaminated with lead

Hand – to – mouthPlaying activitiesTrinkets and toys made outside CanadaPaint chips

Water Children

How Are We ExposedInhalation

Dust from lead or soil

Cigarette smokeCandles with lead

core wicks

Lead and Your Health Nausea Abdominal pain Vomiting Headache Muscle weakness &

muscle pain Behavior problems Insomnia Memory loss Impotence

In severe cases Brain and or kidney

damage Coma Convulsions Death

Children’s Special ConcernsChildren are more vulnerable to the effects of lead for several reasons :Have a higher adsorption rate from GI tract, particularly if they are iron deficientExposed in womb and through breast milk in addition to food and waterPlay in the dirt, are lower to the ground, perform hand – to – mouth activities

Effects on Children Low birth weight Growth delays Mental delays Learning disabilities Muscle weakness Stomach cramps Anemia Kidney & brain

damage

Measuring Exposure in the Body

Blood lead level can be tested(talk to your doctor)

How to Reduce Risk From Lead – Based Paint

Have home tested for lead, especially if built before 1978

Use proper protective equipment during renovations Wash hands frequently, especially before eating Ensure proper nutrition to counteract the effect of lead

exposure Control dust in house, use a Hepa filter vacuum

How to Reduce risk From Contaminated Soil

Wash hands frequently, especially before eating

Do not eat, drink, or smoke while working outside

Wash vegetables thoroughly if grown in soil with high lead levels

Control dust in your home Vacuum, wet mop and dust

with a damp cloth Eat a balanced diet Cover bare soil in your yard

with grass or plants Take shoes off at the door

How to Reduce Risk From Contaminated Water

Have well-water tested for leadRun water 15 – 30 seconds if you have

lead pipes or lead solderDo not use hot water from the tapDo not pour products that contain lead

or chemicals down the drain or in sewer

How to Reduce Risk From Exposure at Work

Use proper protective equipment to prevent exposure to lead dustIf exposed at work :Shower and change at workKeep work clothes separate

Centers for Disease Control (Policy)

Recommended blood lead testing for all children under 2

Blood lead level over 10 mcg/dl requires action

Actions includeRisk assessment to determine source of exposure Follow up of elevated BLL’s

Resources

ATSDR ToxFAQ’swww.atsdr.cdc.gov/tfacts13.pdfHealth Canadawww.hc-gc.ca

In Review

What is lead and how are we exposed to it

How does lead affect healthHow can we reduce our exposure

to lead