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Lead Poison Control
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Lead is a natural metal. In the past lead was used to make household plumbing material and water service lines, lead-based paints, gasoline for motor vehicles, older ceramic dishes and lead crystal. Since 1971, lead has been removed from gasoline, paints and dishes.
The effects of lead in children can be very dangerous:
- Delay in physical and mental development
- Decrease in attention span
- Hearing problems
- Learning problems.
Also, in adults there is:
- Increase in blood pressure
- Increased risk for Stroke
- Increased risk for kidney disease
- Cancer
Children get sick from lead exposure when they eat chips of lead-based paint. If a child were to eat 1/10 of a square inch of paint daily for 15 - 30 days the child can contract lead poisoning.
If your home was built before 1980, you should inspect the walls and windows frames for areas of chipped paint. You may also request your child's doctor check the child's blood for lead. A blood lead level of 10 mcg/dL or higher indicates lead poisoning.
WHAT CAN BE DONE
- Check with your public water company for assistance and information about lead levels. If you have a well, you can have your water tested by a local laboratory.
- When you use water for cooking or drinking, use cold tap water, not hot.
- Let tap water run for about 1 minute before you take your first drink.
- If your private well has high lead levels, consider a water treatment device. If levels are still high, consider using bottled water.
- Do not drink from lead crystal on a daily basis, and do not store liquids in lead crystal bottles or glasses.
- Do not store food or liquids in antique or collectible dishes or in dishes made by hobbyist.
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For more information, contact:
Rosetta Swinton, RN
Episcopal Director of Health
Ph: (843) 876-1949
Fax: (843) 792-7476
swintonr@musc.edu |
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