Hazards/Symptoms of Lead Poisoning
Posted on Tue, Jun 29, 2010 @ 12:50 PM
Co-written by Matt Bauer, Marketing Intern and Andy Joy, Life Sciences Account Manager
With the recent outbreak of lead poisoning in Nigeria which has caused over 100 fatalities in local children as well as the discovery of lead traces found in children’s fruit juices and baby foods in the U.S., you may be asking questions about the dangers of lead and what precautions the country is taking to reduce your risk. It is clear that lead exposure is incredibly hazardous to your health, but how? What are the symptoms of lead poisoning? If it is evident that lead is a health threat and stringent regulations are in place, why can lead traces still be found in day-to-day life?
Lead (Pb) is bright and metallic in color when freshly cut, but its’ surface rapidly tarnishes in the air causing a dull luster. Lead is very dense, soft, malleable, and resistant to corrosion, but it has poor electrical conductivity. Its’ unique chemical characteristics lend itself well to many uses including corrosive liquid containment, radiometric dating, batteries, plastics, electronic insulation, as well as numerous uses in the construction industry. Lead has been used for thousands of years, because of its’ widespread distribution, ease of extraction, and various applications. Up until the 1950’s, Lead was commonly found in gasoline, paints, and even in pesticides, but has been banned since.
The use of Lead has been reduced due to its’ hazardous nature, but exposure is still common. It enters the body through ingestion or inhalation, and like many other hazardous elements, bio-accumulates. Because Lead accumulates in the body, there is no minimum safe exposure limit. Lead exposure can interfere with development and damage connections in the nervous system, as well as cause brain and blood disorders. Children and infants are especially susceptible. Symptoms include abdominal pain, headache, anemia, irritability, and in severe instances seizure, coma, and death can occur.
Lead exposure has health implications because Lead interferes and replaces useful metals, such as zinc, calcium, and iron in bodily biochemical reactions. This interference causes genes to turn on and off irregularly, and as a result there are changes in production and shape of proteins. These altered proteins cannot perform their basic functions, and consequently health problems occur.
Even though lead exposure is incredibly dangerous, lead is still prevalent and commonly used. Lead is useful and necessary in many applications, and is not easily replaced. Until alternatives are discovered, it is necessary to take
precautions and limit use and exposure of this hazardous metal.