North Country Health Nuggets
Lead is toxic to the entire body. Elevated blood lead levels are identified through a blood test. Safe levels are different for children and adults; children’s levels should be less than 3.5 mcgm/dl and adults should be less than 5 mcgm/dl. Exposure happens through the respiratory system or the digestive system.
Studies show that no amount of lead exposure is safe for children. Even low levels of lead in blood have been shown to affect a variety of adverse health effects including: reduced growth indicators; delayed puberty; lowered IQ; and hyperactivity, attention, behavior, and learning problems.
Why would a child have an elevated lead level? Common sources of exposure include: homes built before 1978, contaminated soil and contaminated water. The problem starts when an adult or child ingests the substance containing lead. Peeling paint, remodeling projects that disturb walls painted with lead paint, old toys painted with lead-based paint, lead based water pipes in homes and soil that was previously contaminated with lead are some of the things that can contain lead.
Adults can be exposed at work or while doing hobbies. These hobbies include making pottery, stained glass, or refinishing furniture. Lead particles or dust can be brought into the home and family vehicle on work clothes and equipment. This is called “take home” lead and it can harm anyone who is exposed. Signs of lead poisoning in adults may include: high blood pressure, joint and muscle pain, difficulties with memory or concentration, headache, abdominal pain, mood disorders, reduced sperm count and abnormal sperm, miscarriage, stillbirth or premature birth.
To protect yourself and your family:
- Identify and remove sources of lead in your home and your place of work.
-If your house was built before 1978 and has chipped/peeling paint, make repairs using safe work practices (see the MDH website-search lead for more info).
-Wash your or your children’s hands frequently as well as pacifiers and toys often to remove as much lead dust as possible.
-Regularly wet-wipe floors, window sills and places children play.
-Take shoes off when entering a home to avoid tracking soil that may contain lead.
-If you work with lead in your job or hobby, change clothes and shower before you go home.
-Some water pipes may contain lead. When using tap water for drinking, cooking, or baby formula:
1. Run COLD water for at least 60 seconds before using
2. Then heat water as needed
Take care when ordering imported toys and or candies. Check the Consumer Product Safety Commission’s (CPSC) recall webpage for recalled products that may contain lead.
All children in MN should receive a blood lead test at 12 and 24 months. If you have concerns or questions- talk to your health care provider or contact your local public health office for more information about how to keep your child lead-safe. (CDC Updates Blood Lead Reference Value MN Dept. of Health-Lead).
Submitted by: North Country Community Health Services and Beltrami County Community Health Services- www.ncchb.org or www.co.beltrami.mn.us/services/public-health/ or find us on Facebook-North Country Community Health Services
(Beltrami, Clearwater, Hubbard and Lake of the Woods Public Health)