A Brief Look at lead Poisoning

Saturday, 03 November 2007
By Kholood F. Al-Rhamah

When you look around and try to see where you live and what things that could harm your body, you will be amazed of how much it exits. Lead poisoning is one of the diseases that attack the human body and damage its cells.

What is Lead?
Lead is a highly toxic metal found in small amounts in the earth's crust. It is not a conductor of electricity and it can be found in a large number of products such as paint, pipes, batteries, gasoline, kohl and cosmetics. What is Lead poisoning?

When a person inhales or swallows materials that contain lead, they risk contracting lead poisoning. Lead poisoning can affect both men and women but it is especially dangerous for children. Lead can usually be found near garbage sites and nearby lands.

Dr. Taha Abdullah Kumosani, the head of the biochemistry department at King Abdulaziz University, has studied the effects of lead on humans. "Lead can get into the soil as industrial waste or as part of the agricultural process, even. The result of that is that the lead content of vegetarian sources can be high," Dr. Kumosani said. He added that water and food are the most obvious means by which lead enters our bodies.

Symptoms?
Lead moves through the human body in the blood and settles in teeth, bones and soft tissues like the brain. When the lead levels in children become high, the results can be kidney damage, learning disabilities, hearing damage and problems in speech, language and behavior.

In adults, high levels of lead can cause brain damage, high blood pressure, digestive problems, nerve disorders, memory weakness and concentration problems. In women, tlead levels can affect pregnancy and also cause fertility problems in both genders.

Why children are in more danger to get affected by lead poisoning?
Lead can transfer to an infant during breast feeding. Also, lead can be transferred to children when they put objects containing lead into their mouths. They can get it by peeling lead objects and putting their fingers in their mouths. Short exposure to lead, according to the doctor, doesn't cause lead poisoning. Only long term exposure does.

How to avoid lead poisoning?
To avoid lead poisoning Dr. Kumosani said that bottled water is usually preferable to tap water. Additionally, vegetables and fruits should be washed thoroughly, and kept away from contaminated places like crowded streets and highways, and gas stations and make sure to close the car's window when you are at such places.