The Environmental Protection Agency has
labeled lead poisoning
as "the #1 Childhood Poisoning
Disease that has reached epidemic proportions."
LEAD POISONING IN CHILDREN
According to the Centers for Disease Control, lead poisoning is the number one
environmental hazard to children AND the most preventable.
The most common source is
found in deteriorated older homes or apartments where children may be exposed by:
- inhalation (breathing) or
- ingestion (eating) of lead based paint.
Renovation work is another common source -- exposure to the dust created by
remodeling work. The dust becomes airborne, settles on floors and surfaces which children
come in contact with.
Friction areas such as windows create additional dust hazards. Deposits gather
in the window well, trough or on the window sill. If a child comes in contact with these
areas, there is the potential for lead poisoning by normal hand to mouth activity.
TECHNICAL
Why is lead so toxic? The body mistakes lead for calcium when ingested.
The lead then attaches to and disrupts enzymes essential to the functioning of the brain
and other cells. The body never decomposes the lead into another, more easily tolerated
substance, because lead is an element.
The process of chelation can remove lead from the bloodstream, but most of the
lead that is absorbed into a child's brain remains there forever. The U.S. Public Health
Service estimates one out of six children under age 6 has enough lead in his blood to
place him in what scientists now consider high risk.
Although adults are susceptible to the toxic effects of lead, children are at
high risk due to the nature of a child's activities that involve the introduction of
non-food items into their bodies. Lead poisoning is entirely preventable, yet it is the
most common and societally devastating environmental disease of young children. The only
cure for lead poisoning is prevention.
One way to prevent lead poisoning is to
first test for lead presence.
Secondly, if lead is present in your home,
take steps to remove the source of lead.
Lead Hazard Screen
lead-based paint/ paint chips
dust
water
soil
Customized Testing Packages
available
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Our
laboratory uses the methods and standards of this organization
the EPA [ Envi
ron
mental Protection Agency ]
For detailed information see the EPA website
at:
http://www.epa.gov
or call the Safe
Drinking Water Hotline: 800-426-4791
and/or
established industry standards
As an independent laboratory
-- we work for you !
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