July is Lead Poisoning Prevention Month

When lead dust is inhaled or a lead object is accidently swallowed, a child can be poisoned. Lead can be found in dirt, dust, toys and house paint in homes painted before 1978. The National Institutes of Health reports lead enters a child's body by: placing a lead object in the mouth (especially if swallowed) or by placing fingers in the mouth or eating after touching a dusty object or peeling lead object.  Children can also breathe in tiny amounts of lead.

 

When a child becomes poisoned by lead, his or her mental development can be slowed. Damage to the nervous system occurs, as well as speech, language, and hearing problems.  Some physical signs of lead poison include: decreased bone & muscle growth, poor muscle coordination, seizures and even unconsciousness, with extremely high levels.