Lead Poisoning: Symptoms and Solutions We are all exposed to lead through food, water, and environment regardless of our lifestyles. Lead is a naturally occurring metal, but the fact that its natural doesn’t make it healthy. In fact, lead is extremely toxic to humans and affects the kidneys, liver, reproductive system, and nervous system. Exposure to lead can happen quietly and can cause permanent problems, especially to your brain. Lead and toxic metal poisoning is a problem in many countries in the world which include India, Iran, China and the United States. Sources of lead exposure vary due in part to lead being included in many products and chemicals that are used world-wide. Occupational exposure to lead is a public health issue everywhere and paint factory employees, mine workers, painters, tile layers, tile makers and drivers are just a few occupations that have been identified as higher risk for lead poisoning. Health Dangers of Exposure to Lead Lead is dangerous to nearly all systems in the body. It is one of several toxic metals that cause damage by inducing oxidative stress. Because lead tends to accumulate in the body, it can simply sit there and be a continued source of harmful free radicals. What might be even more scary is that the dangerous effects of lead exposure are often irreversible. Lead exposure is perhaps best associated with its negative affect on overall intelligence. This is due to the brain being especially vulnerable to poisoning and intoxication. Lead poisoning affects the brain similar to the way that drug abuse does. Those that are exposed experience a suppressed immune system, which leads to a slew of problems. Another effect that is very common is increased blood pressure. First signs of lead poisoning include: irritability or behavioral problems difficulty concentrating loss of appetite headaches constipation weight loss sluggishness or fatigue abdominal pain vomiting or nausea seizures pallor (pale skin) from anemia metallic taste in mouth muscle and joint weakness or pain Long-term lead poisoning symptoms can include: decreased bone and muscle growth poor muscle coordination speech and language problems seizures and unconsciousness (in cases of extremely high lead levels) damage to the nervous system, kidneys, and/or hearing developmental delay
Posted on: Fri, 31 Oct 2014 11:42:59 +0000
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