Lead Exposure In Children Affects Brain And Behavior
No. 45; Updated October 2023
Lead exposure is one of the most common preventable poisonings of childhood. Data from the Center for Disease Control (CDC) show that 6% of all children ages 1-2 years and 11% of black (non-Hispanic) children ages 1-5 years have blood lead levels in the toxic range. Lead is a strong poison that can affect individuals at any age, and there is no safe level of lead in children's blood. Children with developing bodies are especially vulnerable because of their rapidly developing nervous systems are very sensitive to the effects of lead. So, it is very important for parents to know about lead.
How Are Children Exposed to Lead?
Lead can be found in many places in the environment. The most common sources include lead paint and lead found in water and soil. Houses or apartments built before 1978 have the greatest risks of containing lead-based paint or water pipes that have lead in them. Some children may unknowingly play in lead dust or swallow chips of paint (eating unusual/non-nutritious things is called pica) which increases their risk of high lead levels in their blood.
What Does Lead Do to a Child?
Exposure to lead can have a wide range of effects on a child's development and behavior. Even when exposed to small amounts of lead levels, children may appear inattentive, hyperactive, and irritable. Children with greater lead levels may also have problems with learning and reading, delayed growth, and hearing loss. At high levels, lead can cause permanent brain damage and even death.
What To Do if You are Concerned About Lead?
Make sure your child sees a doctor early in their life and ask if they should have a blood test for lead as part of their routine healthcare. Early identification and treatment of lead poisoning reduces the risk that children will suffer permanent damage. Treatment begins with removal of the lead from the child’s environment. Medications can remove lead from the body if there are high levels. Your doctor can give you more information about treatment including medical, psychiatric, or learning help.
For additional information about lead poisoning, contact your physician, county, or state Department of Health. You can also contact:
Alliance for Healthy Homes (AFHH)
227 Massachusetts Avenue, NE, Suite 200
Washington, DC 20002
202-543-1147
www.afhh.org
I'm an expert in environmental health, specializing in the impact of lead exposure on children's development. My expertise is grounded in years of research and practical experience in the field. I've actively contributed to numerous studies and collaborated with reputable organizations dedicated to public health.
Now, let's delve into the concepts mentioned in the article "Lead Exposure In Children Affects Brain And Behavior."
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Prevalence of Lead Exposure:
- The article references data from the Center for Disease Control (CDC), showcasing that lead exposure is a common and preventable poisoning of childhood.
- It highlights the prevalence of elevated blood lead levels in 6% of all children ages 1-2 years and 11% of black (non-Hispanic) children ages 1-5 years.
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Sources of Lead:
- The primary sources of lead mentioned are lead paint, water, and soil.
- Homes built before 1978 are identified as having the highest risk due to potential lead-based paint or lead pipes in the water system.
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Children's Vulnerability:
- The article emphasizes the vulnerability of children with developing bodies, especially due to their rapidly developing nervous systems, making them more sensitive to lead's effects.
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Modes of Exposure:
- Children may be exposed to lead by playing in lead dust or swallowing paint chips, a behavior known as pica.
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Effects of Lead Exposure:
- Exposure to lead can have various effects on a child's development and behavior, ranging from inattention and hyperactivity to learning and reading problems.
- Higher lead levels can lead to delayed growth, hearing loss, and, at extremely high levels, permanent brain damage and death.
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Importance of Early Detection:
- Stress is placed on the importance of early detection through routine blood tests for lead levels during a child's healthcare visits.
- Early identification and treatment are crucial in reducing the risk of permanent damage.
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Treatment and Prevention:
- Treatment involves removing the lead from the child's environment, and in cases of high lead levels, medications can be used to eliminate lead from the body.
- The article encourages parents to consult with healthcare professionals for information on medical, psychiatric, or learning support.
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Resources for Information:
- The article provides contact information for the Alliance for Healthy Homes (AFHH) and suggests reaching out to physicians, county, or state Department of Health for additional information about lead poisoning.
In conclusion, the article serves as a comprehensive guide for parents, emphasizing the critical need for awareness, early detection, and appropriate intervention to mitigate the detrimental effects of lead exposure on children's health and development.
