Who does it effect ?
Lead can effect anyone at anytime. Those who are less developed are more prone to lead exposure since their bodies need more resources to grow. Children are commonly the most effected since they are in their growth stage, also pregnant women are prone to lead exposure since they require more resources to feed their future child. This also means that the child inside the womb is equally as prone to exposure and the effects can be noticeable. For example, it can cause mental and physical deformities in the fetus and may even cause miscarriage.
How can it effect health, physically and mentally ?
It does not matter if a person breathes-in, swallows, or absorbs lead particles, the health effects are the same; however, the body absorbs higher levels of lead when it is breathed-in.
In our bodies, lead is absorbed and stored in our bones, blood, and tissues. It does not stay there permanently, rather it is stored there as a source of continual internal exposure. As we age, our bones deteriorate and the internal exposures may increase as a result of larger releases of lead from the bone tissue. This means that lead may not have any effect on your body until much later in life. The symptoms of lead may vary, however these are examples of low consentration, short term exposure symptoms.
The effects on children vary slightly, these are short term, low exposure symptoms.
In conclusion, it is worth mentioning the cause and affect of dealing with lead poisoning. Dealing with blood lead levels does cost a lot of money, several millions a year just to ensure houses are "lead paint free". To remove lead from the environment is no simple task. However, studies have shown that funding the prevention of lead poisoning is cost effective. Studies show that there is a direct correlation with blood lead levels and crime rate. There is also relations between blood lead levels and medical costs and annual salaries since lead effects physical and mental health. More specifically, your IQ. There are many studies on how preventing lead poisoning can benefit us economically. In fact there is a quote from a reliable news source saying "Each dollar invested in lead paint hazard control results in a return of $17-$221..." Which is a huge benefit to dealing with this problem. However, this should not be the main reason this problem is dealt with. The main reason should always be to stay healthy, lead is a health risk, not a economical risk. Lead should be dealt with as such.
In our bodies, lead is absorbed and stored in our bones, blood, and tissues. It does not stay there permanently, rather it is stored there as a source of continual internal exposure. As we age, our bones deteriorate and the internal exposures may increase as a result of larger releases of lead from the bone tissue. This means that lead may not have any effect on your body until much later in life. The symptoms of lead may vary, however these are examples of low consentration, short term exposure symptoms.
- Abdominal pain
- Constipation
- Tiredness
- Headaches
- Irritability
- Loss of appetite
- Memory loss
- Pain/tingling in the hands and/or feet
- Weakness
Long term exposure may include the following. - Abdominal pain
- Constipation
- Depression
- Easily Distracted
- Forgetfulness
- Irritability
- Nausea
The effects on children vary slightly, these are short term, low exposure symptoms.
- Behavior and learning problems
- Lower IQ and Hyperactivity
- Slowed growth
- Hearing Problems
- Anemia (causes lower red blood cell count)
In conclusion, it is worth mentioning the cause and affect of dealing with lead poisoning. Dealing with blood lead levels does cost a lot of money, several millions a year just to ensure houses are "lead paint free". To remove lead from the environment is no simple task. However, studies have shown that funding the prevention of lead poisoning is cost effective. Studies show that there is a direct correlation with blood lead levels and crime rate. There is also relations between blood lead levels and medical costs and annual salaries since lead effects physical and mental health. More specifically, your IQ. There are many studies on how preventing lead poisoning can benefit us economically. In fact there is a quote from a reliable news source saying "Each dollar invested in lead paint hazard control results in a return of $17-$221..." Which is a huge benefit to dealing with this problem. However, this should not be the main reason this problem is dealt with. The main reason should always be to stay healthy, lead is a health risk, not a economical risk. Lead should be dealt with as such.
The picture below is a diagram of what and how lead effects in the human body. This diagram covers most of what I have said on this page but offers a more comprehensive visual.