SAVE OUR CHILDREN NOW

An Environmental Health Perspective

Do You Know What ’ s In Your House?

Informational Presentation on Lead and

Environmental Hazards Found in Homes

Linda A. Jones, PhD Student

Walden University
Environmental Health-8165(3)
Dr. Raymond Thron-Professor
INTRODUCTION
Introduction
Cont.
 OVERVIEW

Hazardous Waste Statistics/Data

Other Sources Exposure

Lead

Getting Proper Help

Mode of Transport

Helpful Links
The Facts

References
 • Random Testing
• City Health Department Investigation
• Social Service Involvement
• Fine Imposed
• Medical Complication/Treatment

MY •

ST
OR
Y
 ENVIRONMENTAL H A Z A R D S
“Hazards in the home can cause physical illness, compromise growth and development and
lower school performance. Hazards such as mold, radon, tobacco smoke, and household
chemicals—occur at all economic levels. Some health hazards such as lead poisoning, asthma,
and fatal injuries—occur at disproportionately high rates in poor quality homes of children in low
income families.”
http://www.iom.edu/Activities/PublicHealth/HousingHealthHazard.aspx

Lead poisoning is a serious health hazard with major socio-economic implications. Lead is a
potent neurotoxin (nerve poison), particularly in children whose growing bodies are highly
susceptible. Exposure to excessive levels of lead in air, water, soil and food is harmful to the
health and intellectual development of millions of children and adults, in almost all regions of
the world.
Unicef; Childhood Lead Poisoning
http://www.chem.unep.ch/irptc/Publications/leadpoison/lead_eng.pdf
 LEAD

•Lead (Pb) is a metal found naturally in the environment as well as in

manufactured products.

•Lead is a toxic metal that was used for many years in products found in
and around our homes.

•Lead also can be emitted into the air from motor vehicles and industrial
sources, and lead can enter our drinking water from plumbing materials.

•Lead may cause a range of health effects, from behavioral problems and
learning disabilities, to seizures and death. Children six years old and
under are most at risk. (CDC, 2009)

http://www.cdc.gov/nceh/lead/default.htm
Approximately 250,000 U.S. children aged 1-5 years have blood lead levels
greater than 10 micrograms of lead per deciliter of blood, the level at which CDC
recommends public health actions be initiated. Lead poisoning can affect nearly
every system in the body. Because lead poisoning often occurs with no obvious
symptoms, it frequently goes unrecognized.
http://www.cdc.gov/nceh/lead/default.htm

Image courtesy of Check 4 Lead.com retrieved on January 31, 2009 from : http://www.check4lead.com/effects
 MODE OF TRANSPORTATION
 Lead Based-Paint
 Dust
 Soil
 Drinking Water
 Canned Foods
 Eating Utensils

 Tr a n s p o r t M o d e ( C o n t )
 Lead-Based Paint  Most common source of exposure,
•
preschoolers,

•
 Old paint, windowsills casing, dust
 Dust/Soil
particles remodeling, past

emissions of leaded gasoline,
•
etc.,
• 
 Drinking Water  Old piping's, brass faucets, copper
 pipes(new homes)
 
 Canned Foods  Imported food cans
 
 Glassware/Cooking Utensils  Crystal, Ceramic Dishes
•

• http://www.cdc.gov/nceh/lead/default.htm
Warning Signs

•fatigue •poor appetite

•crankiness •behavior and learning problems

•hyperactivity •brain and nervous system damage

•convulsions •slowed growth

•restlessness •hearing and speech problems

•headaches •nausea/vomiting

•insomnia •abdominal pain

•stupor •anemia

•constipation •lack of muscular coordination

American Academy of Pediatrics http://www.aap.org/

HEALTHY EATING HABITS IN CHILDREN

 Calcium
 Zinc
 Protein
 Vegetables/Fruits
 Iron
SAVE OUR CHILDREN

http://www.youtube.com/watch?
v=dBrECAHb3yo

Video Courtesy of YouTube video presentationshttp://www.youtube.com/watch?

v=dBrECAHb3yo
 Sources of Information
 America's Children and the Environment (ACE), U.S. Environmental Protection
Agency.
http://www.epa.gov/envirohealth/children/contaminants/ec-background.html

 Facts About Childhood Lead Poisoning; City of Milwaukee
http://www.ci.mil.wi.us/LeadPoisoningFacts

 Cleveland Department of Public Health Online Portal located at
http://www.clevelandhealth.org/

 Global Approach to Reducing Lead Exposure and Poisoning, Authors:
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18436472?ordinalpos=1&itool=EntrezSystem2.PEntr

 Official Journal of American Academy of Pediatrics
http://pediatrics.aappublications.org/

 U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development ;
http://www.hud.gov/offices/lead/lbp/lor.cfm

•


 REFERENCES
Instituteof Medicines of National Academies (2005), Ethical Considerations for Research on Housing
Related Health Hazards Involving Children. Retrieved Online January 30, 2010 from
http://www.iom.edu/Reports/2005/Ethical-Considerations-for-Research-on-Housing-Related-
Health-Hazards-Involving-Children.aspx

Medical-Dictionary (2009) The Effects of lead Poisoning. Retrieved Online January 31, 2010
from http://medical-dictionary.thefreedictionary.com/lead+poisoning

Check 4 Lead.com(2009) Keeping our Families Safe; Retrieved online January 30, 2010 from
http://www.check4lead.com/effects-of-lead-poisoning

(UNEP, UNICEF 1999) Childhood lead poisoning: Information for advocacy and action Retrieved Online
January 29, 2010 from http://www.chem.unep.ch/irptc/Publications/leadpoison/lead_eng.pdf

World Health Organization (WHO) (1999); Strengthening Poisoning Prevention and Treatment Programs