Deadline # 19 Shannon Vavrek_Module 5_Draft

Get the Lead Out
Lead disturbs the way almost all of the neurotransmitters in the brain perform, according to Dr. David Bellinger, PhD. (Farley, par. 10). Extreme exposure to lead can cause seizures, comas, or death. Recent recalls of children's toys containing unsafe amounts of lead, has instilled fear into the minds of Americans, especially those with children. Although the American public appears quick to blame China for this horrifying occurrence, the truth is a substantial number of lead dangers may be found right here in the United States. Since the 1960s, the U. S. government has been implementing programs to cut down on, and eventually eliminate, the unnecessary use of lead in the manufacturing industry. These programs have greatly reduced the amount of lead people are exposed to on a daily basis. However, considerable damage has already been done. The potential for lead poisoning is still all around us. The use of lead in the manufacturing of items has left the environment toxic and is harming both children and adults as a result.
Lead used in manufacturing processes has polluted the environment. Homes in the past have been coated inside and outside with paints that contain lead. Water pipes, drinking fountains, solder, foil wine bottle capsules, and the seals of food cans have all been constructed with the use of lead. Despite the fact that the practice of producing these items with lead has been outlawed, many of these objects are still contaminating our homes, work places, and schools. Leaded gasoline has not been in use since 1995, but it has caused an extensive amount of soil contamination, especially near roadways. Work sites are often prime locations for dangerous amounts of lead. Not only does this pose a risk for the worker; lead particles that are carried home to the worker’s family on clothing and shoes are a threat as well. Animals are also affected by lead toxicity because of the fact that it poisons the nervous systems of all warm-blooded vertebrates, not just those of human beings (Leibert, par.1). Air, soil, bodies of water, plants, and meat-sources have the potential to be contaminated with lead.
Children are especially vulnerable to the hazards of lead exposure. In 1998, almost one million children younger than the age of six were found to have potentially damaging blood lead levels (Farley, par. 11). The recent discovery of unsafe levels of lead in several toys and jewelry items that have been promoted to children has prompted the California Public Interest Research Group to push the federal government to implement legislation to prohibit any more lead than trace amounts in toys (Kucher, par. 5). In children, 30 to 75 percent of lead that reaches the digestive tract is absorbed, 50 percent of inhaled lead particles are absorbed, and less than 1 percent of lead that has come in contact with skin is absorbed (Farley, par. 10). However, children frequently put their hands to their mouths, increasing the chances of ingestion. Exposure to dust and chips from deteriorating lead paint is the main cause of lead poisoning in children (EPA 2). Because of this, children living in older homes have been shown to have higher levels of blood lead than those living in newer homes (Farley, par. 11). Neurological and memory problems, hearing impairment, decreased growth, and muscle pain and coordination issues are some of the results of increased blood lead levels in children. Premature birth, low birth weight, stillbirth, and miscarriage of infants are major concerns for pregnant mothers who have had too much exposure to lead.
Adults are not immune to the harm caused by lead. They are exposed to the same lead toxins as children are exposed to, albeit in different amounts. Cosmetics, gradual hair dyes, foil wine capsules and certain foreign digestive remedies are all culprits of lead poisoning in adults. Even nutritional supplements may contain high levels of lead. Unlike children, adults only absorb approximately 11 percent of lead through digestion (Farley, par. 10). But they still face serious risks when exposed to lead. Trouble recalling recently learned skills, bizarre behavior, altered consciousness, high blood pressure, and damage to reproductive organs are some of the problems of adults who have experienced lead poisoning. Unfortunately, the damage may not be reversible.
The environment has been negatively affected by the use of lead in manufacturing processes. Air, water, and soil have been contaminated, along with animal and plant life. Children are suffering the consequences of exposure to this poisonous substance. Adults are being forced to look for solutions to rid the planet of the effects of this toxic menace, while dealing with health issues it may have caused them as well. The use of lead by the manufacturing industry has left behind problems for the environment, children, and adults that need to be addressed.