Is Your Family Being Poisoned?

 

Many of us – especially young children whose central nervous systems are still developing -- are being poisoned by lead in products as well as our atmosphere and in many cases the homes we live in – often ignorant to the dangers around us – mislead by earlier information about safe levels of exposure to lead.

The latest research shows that some exposure levels once considered safe can actually cause a wide range of problems such as:

• Attention Deficit Disorder
  
• Other Behavioral Problems
  
• Stunted Growth
  
• Impaired Hearing Problems
  
• Kidney Problems
  

Young children, are especially vulnerable to such things because according to the National Safety Council in the United States they absorb up to 50 percent of the lead they ingest while adults absorb only 10 to 15 per cent. But everyone is vulnerable: While the brain and nervous of a fetus in the mother's womb and young children might suffer the most older people can almost suffer from things like nerve disorders, muscle and joint pain or problems with memory and concentration as a result of on-going lead exposure.

For everyone things to avoid if possible include the following:

• Earthenware glazed with lead finishing
  
• Lead from gasoline (in at least 100 countries according to the WHO)
  
• Lead based paint. Even particles from flaking paint or the dust from paint during removal of paint can be extremely hazardous. And lead paint contamination involves some 40 per cent of the homes even in the United States.
  
• Lead from oil water pipes in homes. You should lead water run for at least 60 seconds before drinking water if you live in an older home with lead pipes according to the Mayo Clinic in the U.S.
  

Remember that ingesting large amounts of lead can kill quickly – especially with young children who often put highly contaminated toys and other items in their mouths , but the long term build up of lead in adults' bodies can also have disastrous consequences. These levels will go down, thankfully once the source of the lead contamination is removed.