Why should chemical poisoning be discussed in the context of households? After all, there are factories that deal in production and handling of chemicals with its workers being exposed to occupational hazards day in, day out. At this point, it would be useful to remember that eventually many chemical products might end up being used in the home. It also shouldn’t be considered illogical to think that workers in a factory being fully aware of the dangers of their job take necessary measures to prevent excessive exposure. Anyway, in this article and the next few, we will discuss possible sources of chemical poisoning in households. Here, we start with lead poisoning.
Lead is a highly toxic metal and a very strong poison. Lead poisoning is a serious and sometimes fatal condition that occurs when lead builds up in the body after exposure by either inhalation or ingestion, sometimes both. Lead-based paint (found on children toys, household furniture and walls of houses) and lead-contaminated dust in older buildings are the most common sources of lead poisoning in children who happen to be the most vulnerable age group to lead poisoning because they absorb lead more easily with their body systems still undergoing development. Lead pipes, brass plumbing fixtures and copper pipes soldered with lead can release lead particles into tap water. Other probable sources of lead exposure may include pottery and cosmetics (the ‘tiro’ popular in Yoruba land) and exhaust fumes from vehicles using fuel containing lead.
Initially, lead poisoning can be hard to detect — even people who seem healthy can have high blood levels of lead. Signs and symptoms usually don’t appear until dangerous amounts have accumulated. In children, signs and symptoms include:
- Irritability
- Loss of appetite
- Weight loss
- Sluggishness and fatigue
- Abdominal pain
- Vomiting
- Constipation
- Hearing loss
- Seizures
- Eating things, such as paint chips, that aren’t food (pica)
In adults, lead poisoning might present as:
- 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 in pregnant women.
To prevent lead poisoning, a measure such as hand washing is indispensable. Children are to be taught to wash their hands after playing. Their toys and bottles should be cleaned regularly too. The use of lead free paints for homes is also advised.
Stay healthy!
Reference: www.mayoclinic.org
