raise awareness about health effects of lead poisoning; highlight...

Newsletter Date: 05/11/2019

Drug Information Centre, Gujarat State Pharmacy Council

Initated by WHO globally

Lead poisoning is preventable, yet the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation has estimated that in 2017

lead exposure accounted for 1.06 million deaths and 24.4 million years lost to disability and death due to

long-term health effects, with the highest burden in developing regions. Of particular concern, is the role of

lead exposure in the development of intellectual disability in children.

Raise awareness about health effects of lead poisoning;

Highlight countries and partners' efforts to prevent

particularly childhood lead poisoning;

Urge further action to eliminate lead paint through

regulatory action at country level.



Sources of Lead in Drinking Water



alk with your child’s doctor about a simple blood lead test. If you are pregnant or nursing

talk with your doctor about the exposure to sources of lead.

alk with your local health department about testing paint and dust in your home for lead if

you live in a home built before 1978.

enovate safely. Common renovation activities (like sanding, cutting, replacing windows

and more) can create hazardous lead dust. If yuou are plannijng renovations, use

contractors certified by the environmental protection agency.

emove recalled toys and toy jewellery from children and discard as appropriate. Stay up-to-

date on current recalls by visiting the Consumer Product safety commission’s Website.

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The good news: Lead Poisoning is 100% preventable



Undergo chelation therapy Chelation therapy uses mineral ions or cations that bond with lead in your body. Once this bond is formed, the mineral ions or cations help your body excrete the lead in your urine.

Chelation therapy in children may be at lower levels than in adults. Chelation therapy is often given for either a 19 day course or two separate five day courses.

Get EDTA therapy. In some adults, your doctor may suggest treatment with three different drugs, which are commonly called ethylene diaminetetraacetic acid or EDTA. Undergo these treatments if you have a severe case of lead poisoning, but be aware that it may not be possible to reverse damage. This is particularly true if the lead has entered your bone.

Children with severe lead intoxication may receive combined chelation therapy with dimercaprol and edetate calcium disodium. Severe lead intoxication is a medical emergency — chelation therapy can be a life-saving treatment.

raise awareness about health effects of lead poisoning; highlight...

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