LEAD POISONING

1. What is lead?

Lead is a chemical element in the periodic table that has the symbol Pb with atomic number 82. In Latin called Plumbum and in Indonesian called Timbal or Timah Hitam . An organic lead as a heavy metal that it any of a number of higher atomic weight elements, which has the properties of a metallic substance at room temperature. In other hand lead can in form as organic compound (tetra ethyl lead = TEL).
Lead has a dull luster and is a dense, ductile, very soft, highly malleable, bluish-white metal that has poor electrical conductivity. This true metal is highly resistant to corrosion. Because of this property, it is used to contain corrosive liquids. Lead is also posionous.
Lead is used as a major constituent of the lead-acid battery, a coloring in ceramic glazes, projectiles for firearms, a shielding from radiation. Molden lead is used as a coolant for reactors. Lead glass is composed of 12-28% lead. Lead is the traditional base metal of organ pipes, mixid with varying amounts of tin to control the tone of the pipe. Lead is used as electrodes in the process of electrolysis, in solder for electronics, in high voltage power cables as sheathing material to prevent water diffusion into insulation.
Lead was used as a pigment in lead paint for white as well as yellow and red colors, for plumbling, to make bullets for slings, as a component toys, in car body filler. It is a superconductor. Tetra ethyl lead (organic lead) was used extensively as an additive gasoline (patrol) of its ability to increase the fuel’s octave rating.

2. How lead poisoning occurred to human?

In general, lead can entire to human body by inhalation and ingestion. Outside of occupational hazards, the majority of lead poisoning occurs in children under age twelve. The main sources of poisoning are from ingestion of lead contaminated soil and from ingestion of lead dust or chips from deteriorating lead-based paints. This is particularly a problem in older houses where the sweet-tasting lead paint is likely to chip, but deteriorating lead-based paint can also powder and be inhaled. Small children also tend to teeth and suck on painted windowsills as they look outside. In most American states, landlords and those selling such houses are required to inform the potential residents of the danger.
Lead has also been found in drinking water. It can come from plumbing and fixtures that are either made of lead or have trace amounts of lead in them.
Lead can also be found in some imported cosmetics such as Kohl, from the Middle East, India, Pakistan, and some parts of Africa, and Surma from India.

3. What are symtomps and effects of lead poisoning?

The symptoms of lead poisoning include neurological problems, such as reduced intelligent quotient (IQ), nausea, abdominal pain, irritability, insomnia, excess lethargy or hyperactivity, headache and extreme cases, seizure and coma. There are also associated gastrointestinal problems, such as constipation, diarrhea, abdominal pain, vomiting, poor appetite, weight loss. Other associated affects are anemia, kidney problems, and reproductive problems.
In humans, lead toxicity often causes the formation of a bluish line along the gums, which is known as the "Burton's line ". Blood film examination may reveal "basophilic stippling" of red blood cells, as well as the changes normally associated with iron deficiency anemia (microcytosis and hypochromia).
A direct link between early lead exposure and extreme learning disability has been confirmed by multiple researchers and child advocacy groups. The Disabilities Education Act (United States) defines a learning disability this way: [a] disorder in one or more of the basic psychological processes involved in understanding or in using spoken or written language, which may manifest itself in an imperfect ability to listen, think, speak, read, write, spell, or to do mathematical calculations. . . .Learning disabilities include such conditions as perceptual disabilities, brain injury, minimal brain dysfunction, dyslexia, and developmental aphasia.

4. How to prevent lead posioning?

Preventing the lead poisoning occurred, which was suggested by US Communicable Diseases Control (CDC) include:


a. Housekeeping:

• Keep children away from peeling or chipping paint and accessible or chewable surfaces painted with lead-based paint, especially windows, window sills, and window wells.
• Wet mop and wet wipe hard surfaces, using trisodium phosphate detergent or automatic dishwasher soap and water.
• Do not vacuum hard surfaces because this activity is believed to scatter dust.
• Wash children's hands and faces before they eat.
• Wash toys and pacifiers frequently.

b. Nutrition:

• Make sure children eat regular nutritious meals, since more lead is absorbed on an empty stomach.
• Make sure children's diets contain plenty of iron and calcium:
• Examples of foods high in iron are liver, fortified cereal, cooked beans, spinach, and raisins.
• Examples of foods high in calcium are milk, yogurt, cheese, and cooked greens.

c. Soil:

If soil around the home is likely to be lead-contaminated (such as around a home built before 1960 or near a major highway), plant grass or other ground cover. If lead-based paint is the source of soil contamination, most lead will be near painted surfaces such as exterior walls. In such cases, plant bushes next to the house to keep children away.

d. Water:

If the lead content of tap water in the home is higher than the drinking water standard, let the water run for several minutes (until the temperature changes) before using it. Use only fully-flushed water from the cold-water tap for drinking and cooking.

e. Food:

Do not store food in open cans, especially imported cans. Do not store or serve food in pottery that is meant for decorative use. Also, do not store food or beverages in lead crystal or china.

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