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National Tracking Program |
Tracking Childhood Lead
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"The
primary source of childhood lead poisoning is from lead-based paint and
lead-contaminated dust in older homes."
(Centers for Disease Control) |
Lead is a naturally occurring metal that has been used
to make many different products. When lead enters into the body it can result
in lead poisoning. When lead poisoning occurs it can be
devastating to the human body and may cause irreversible
neurological damage as well as
renal disease,
cardiovascular effects, and
reproductive toxicity. Lead poisoning is a serious but preventable
health problem.
Lead exposure is a serious health concern, and anyone
can be lead poisoned, but young children, between the ages of nine months and
six years of age are at the highest risk. Lead can be eaten or breathed or get
into your body by breathing lead-contaminated dust. Children may increase their
chances of getting lead into his or her body by putting their hands, toys, or
other objects with dust on them, or if they eat dirt or other non-food objects.
Quite often there are no clinical
signs or symptoms of lead poisoning. Children can have lead poisoning and not
look or act sick, however, may feel sick to their stomachs and feel tired or
irritable. A simple blood test is the only way to tell if your child is being
affected by lead.
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This page was last modified on: 10/13/2008 09:31:10
