Lead Poisoning
Are your child's toys safe?
In some developed countries, lead-based paint is banned from use in homes, toys and furniture. Yet recent toy recalls have left parents scrambling to pull toys coated in lead-based paint from their children's toy boxes. What is going on? And what do you need to know to protect your child from lead poisoning? Here is some practical advice. Why is lead-based paint such a concern?
Lead is a natural element that is present throughout the environment. It is possible to breathe or swallow lead particles from chips of lead-based paint or contaminated food, water, dust, soil or other products. Although brief or limited exposure to lead-based paint or other sources of lead is not likely to cause lead poisoning, exposure to even low levels of lead can be harmful over time especially in children. In extreme cases, lead poisoning may eventually cause speech, language and behavior problems, poor coordination and slowed growth. The most severe cases of lead poisoning may cause seizures, as well as permanent brain and kidney damage. Rarely, lead poisoning can be fatal. Some studies link lead poisoning with autism. Should I be concerned if my child played with a toy that has a lead-based paint or some association with lead?
If your child has any toys that have association with lead either by lead paints or some other way. Don't allow your child to continue playing with them even if the toys look safer. Remember to keep the situation in perspective, however. If your child played with the recalled toy for an extended period of time or the toy's paint is chipping, you may ask yor child's doctor about a blood test to check for lead poisoning. How common is lead poisoning?
Thankfully, lead poisoning is relatively uncommon. But people should be aware of this and should not take the concern lightly. How can I tell if my child has been exposed to too much lead?
Lead poisoning can be tough to detect. Even children who appear healthy can have elevated levels of lead in their blood. As the severity of lead poisoning increases, you might notice vague warning signs, such as irritability, weight loss and sluggishness. Your child might complain of abdominal pain, vomiting and constipation. If the level of lead continues to increase, learning difficulties or behavioral problems might become an issue. Lead poisoning is diagnosed with a simple blood test. Again, if you are concerned about lead poisoning, ask your child's doctor about testing. How is lead poisoning treated?
If your child has mild lead poisoning, the only treatment is avoiding exposure to lead. Continued observation or repeat testing may be recommended. If the lead poisoning is severe, your child may need to take an oral medication that binds with the lead so that it is excreted in his or her urine. This is known as chelation therapy. How can I lower my child's risk of lead exposure from toys?
Consider the ways to protect your child from lead poisoning by following: Make sure your home is safe: Hire a professional to inspect your home for lead hazards. Use tap water carefully: If your home has lead pipes, run cold tap water for at least a minute before using it especially if the faucet has not been used for a while and don't use hot tap water for cooking or to make baby formula. Keep it clean: Make sure your child washes his or her hands after playing outside, before eating and before going to bed. Clean non-carpeted floors with a wet mop. Wipe furniture, windowsills and other dusty surfaces with a damp cloth. Repaint or paper walls with peeling paint, especially in older homes. Know where your child plays: Don't let your child play near major roads or bridges. If you live near major roads, ask your child's doctor about periodic testing for lead poisoning. Serve healthy foods: Foods high in iron and calcium help prevent lead from being absorbed into the bloodstream. Remember, brief or limited exposure to lead is not likely to cause lead poisoning. If you are concerned about your child's exposure to lead, ask his or her doctor about testing.
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