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Lead Toxicity
by Kathryn E. Mitchell,
MS, RN and Cynthia Hobbie, MPH, RN, CPNA
[This article was first published for health care professionals in
Minnesota. It sets the pace for lead health care in Australia.]
Lead poisoning is a serious environmental health hazard for children.
Exposure to lead in early years, when the brain and nervous system are
developing, is especially harmful. Recent studies indicate that even at
low levels of exposure some toxic effects can be detected in
neurological development. Children under six years of age are more
likely to put lead - tainted objects into their mouths through frequent
hand-to-mouth activity. In addition, the hands of children in leaded
environments are often coated with leaded dust. Children absorb much
more of the lead they ingest than adults do, and it crosses the
blood-brain barrier more readily. The effects of lead toxicity are
rarely detectable at the time of exposure. The symptoms are subtle,
often leading to learning disabilities in later years. Because of these
factors, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recently lowered the
guidelines for acceptable levels. Through routine screening of pediatric
populations, children at risk of neurological damage can be identified
early and treated. Health care providers not only provide this screening
but also act as resources for educating parents and communities. The
following resources are helpful in raising both health care provider and
consumer awareness.
Materials for Health Care Professionals
- Case Studies in Environmental Medicine: Lead Toxicity (United
States Department of Health and Human Services; Public Health
Service Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry, June
1990.)
This excellent manual, available for continuing medicine education,
includes case studies in a step-by-step self-learning approach covering
risk factors, exposure, health effects, clinical evaluation, treatment,
management, standards and regulations. Order from Public Health
Service ATSDR, Division of Health Studies, (404) 639-6205.
- Preventing Lead Poisoning in Young Children (Atlanta, Georgia:
United States Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for
Disease Control, 1991.)
This publication outlines the new guidelines from the CDC and the
appropriate interventions/ treatments. Order form CDC Lead Poisoning
Department (404) 488-4880.
- Strategic Plan for Elimination of Childhood Lead Poisoning (United
States Department of Health and Human Services, 1991.)
This comprehensive plan outlines in detail the first five years of a
twenty year plan to eliminate childhood lead poisoning. Order from CDC
Lead Poisoning Department, (404) 488-4880.
- Lead Poisoning and Children (Health and Environment Digest, 1991.)
An excellent overview is presented in a sixteen-page booklet. Single
copies available only. To order, call Dianne Kocourek Ploetz, Health
Educator, Lead Program, Minnesota Department of Health, (612) 627-5018.
Materials for Consumers
- Alliance to End Childhood Lead Poisoning (Washington, D.C.).
This Advocacy program can provide a parent with a package of
informational pamphlets written in laymen's terms. They also have a
legislative/policy package for professionals. The Alliance has compiled
a list of resources available state-by state. To order call (202) 543
1147.
Your local or state health department is another source of
information for health care providers and consumers. Contact the lead
poisoning prevention program or health education department and inquire
about available resources. This may be the best source of handouts and
fact sheets for parents. In Minnesota the health department provides
fact sheets that explain lead poisoning, testing, prevention, and
treatment and that give common sources and safe abatement of lead-based
paint. Many of these fact sheets are available in foreign languages.
Items already listed under materials for health professionals may be
readily available through your health department.
The following educational video materials are also available for
viewing in a clinic lobby or perhaps for making available for check out
from the provider:
- Lead Poisoning: It Doesn't Have to Happen (10 minutes). Cost
$12.00. Send cheque or money order to Pennsylvania Chapter, American
Academy of Pediatrics, Dayton Building, Suite 220, 610 Old Lancaster
Road, Bryn Mawr, PA 19010. For additional information, call
Pennsylvania Academy of Pediatrics, (215) 520-9123.
- Lead Poisoning. This 22-minute video describes what lead poisoning
is and is not and how a child can become lead poisoned; it gives
practical tips on how to prevent lead poisoning. This video is a
good overview of the lead poisoning problem. Narrated in the Hmong
language. The language of refugees from the hills of southeast
Asia. An English script is also provided with the video. Send letter
requesting permission to copy video. State intended use. number of
copies you will be making and target audience. Address to: Dianne
Kocourek Ploetz. Health Educator. Lead Program. Minnesota Department
of Health. 925 Delaware Street S. E .. P. O. Box 59040. Minneapolis.
MN 55459-0040; telephone (612) 627-5018.
- Lead in the Blood. This 20 minute video shows the sequence of
events that will occur once a child has been diagnosed as having
been lead poisoned. Topics of discussion include why we are
concerned about lead poisoning, the environmental assessment of the
home, the hospitalization of the child, and medical follow-up. This
videotape is for use with the parents and other concerned adults who
live with a child who has been lead poisoned. This video is narrated
in the Hmong language. An English script accompanies the video.
- Kids and Lead Hazards: What Every Family Should Know. Cost:
$24.95. Produced by Consumer Reports and Connecticut Public Broadcasting,
June 1991. To order, call (800) 323-4222, ext. 44.
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