Atypical Exposure to Lead

1
Atypical Exposure to Lead

• Roxann Harvey
• November 22, 2005

2
What is Lead?

• Lead is a metal that is poisonous if eaten
• Solid form usually used as fishing weights

3
Lead Poisoning

• Most common disease of toxic environment origin
  in the US
• Previously believed to be toxic to children only
• Currently known to be harmful to people of all
  ages at levels that a few years ago were
  considered safe

4
Adult Exposure

• Most Adult exposure occurs in the workplace
• Usual route of occupational exposure is
  inhalation
• NIOSH estimates more than 3 million workers in US
  at risk

5
Childhood Exposure

• Predominantly exposed by ingestion
• An estimated 3 to 4 million American pre-school
  children have blood levels that are now known to
  be associated with sub clinical neurological
  impairment
• Among inner-city preschool children 68 have
  higher levels of lead exposure

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Exposures

• Smeltering
• Battery Making
• Ship Burning
• Soldering
• Stained Glass Manufacture
• Brass Foundry Work
• Lead Base Paint Abatement
• Leaded crystal and improperly fired ceramic and
  pottery especially if used to store food or drink

7
Typical Exposures

• Contaminated Dust and Soil
• Suburban and urban areas have lead in dust and
  soil from flaking paint from buildings and
  bridges and smaller amounts from automobile
  emissions
• Water can become contaminated as it passes
  through lead pipes or comes into contact with
  lead solder

8
Industries Associated with Lead Overexposure

• Battery Manufacturing
• Chemical Industry
• Construction Workers
• Demolition Workers
• Firing range instructors
• Foundry Workers
• Gas station Attendants
• Gasoline Additives production
• Jewelers

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Industries Associated with Lead Overexposure II

• Lead Miners
• Lead smelters and refiners
• Pigment Manufacturing
• Pipe Fitters
• Plastics Industry
• Pottery Workers
• Printers
• Radiator repair

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Industries Associated with Lead Overexposure III

• Rubber industry
• Soldering of lead products
• Solid waste production
• Stained glass makers
• Welders

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Alternate Sources of Lead in the Home

• Making stained glass windows using lead solder
• Glazing firing pottery and ceramics
• Making lead weights
• Reloading and making ammunition
• Target practice on indoor and outdoor firing
  ranges
• Refinishing furniture
• Remolding

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Home Remedy Exposures

• Azarcon and greta are bright colored powders that
  contain almost 100 lead-
• Used in the Hispanic community for children with
  intestinal illness
• Pay-loo-ah is a red or orange powder used with
  the Hmong community for curing rash and fevers
• Ghasard, Bala Boli and Kandu are Asian Indian
  remedies used for stomachaches
• Kohl or surma are used by Arabs for cosmetic and
  medicinal purposes

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Additional Routes of Entry

• Lead may be inhaled when it is burned or melted
  releasing some of the lead as a fume
• May be inhaled when dust that contains lead
  becomes airborne ex. Contaminated clothing worn
  home or dry lead paint removed from a surface
• Ingested when cigarettes, food or food
  preparation surfaces contaminated by lead dust

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Effects of Lead Poisoning

• Irreversible negative health effects
• Hypotension
• CNS problems
• Anemia
• Diminished Hearing
• Sterility
• Coma

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Prevention

• Good Housekeeping/hygiene
• Cover or repaint surfaces where lead paint is
  chipping or cracking
• Wash hands frequently
• Proper nutrition with adequate amounts of iron
  and calcium may help decrease absorbed lead
• Never sand, burn, or heat a surface that may
  contain lead based paint
• Run tap water for a minute before consuming

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Prevention Continued

• Use cold tap water to prepare baby formula
• Do not allow children to play in dirt within 3
  feet of your house foundation
• Use a doormat to wipe feet or remove shoes to
  keep dust out of the house
• Remove imported vinyl mini blinds from areas
  frequented by small children

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Sources

• US Consumer Product Safety Commission
• CPSC Announces New Policy Addressing Lead in
  Childrens Jewelry
• Allegheny Environmental Services Inc.
• Lead Based Paint
• Kevin C. Staudinger, M.D.,M.P.H.
• Occupational Lead Poisoning
• Rutgers Cooperative Extension
• Lead Poisoning and Your Childs Health