Let us begin by understanding what lead poisoning actually is. There is a certain level of lead present inside the human body and when that level exceeds, it threatens us by developing poisonous behaviour. The harmful damage caused inside the body by high lead levels are many, and surprisingly a large number of children in the United States are affected by lead poisoning.
Since children are at the stage of mental and physical development, an extraordinary amount of lead can hinder their growth, both mentally and physically. Lead is a very common element in many products and things that children interact with, such as soil, water pipes and toys being at the top. Since most children love playing outside, they are more likely to come in contact with soil that has been infected with lead, via gasoline or paint. The lead can even come through breathing or if their parents do a job in which they are exposed to lead and the lead gets stuck on their clothes, which in turn, puts the children in danger as well.
High levels of lead in the body are carried to the brain, bones and other organs via blood circulation. Although high lead levels can be treated, it is really impossible to completely turn around the damage. The result of just short exposure to lead can cause memory loss, headaches, constipation, fatigue, weakness and so much more. And of course, long-term exposure can only worsen the condition.
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A few of these lead products were banned in the United States very long ago, such as lead-based paint, back in 1976. Recently in 2019, the U.S. government has put forward the Lead-Safe Housing for Kids Act of 2019, which ensures that families residing in federally-assisted homes are protected from lead poisoning.
There are also many small daily steps to protect yourselves and your children from lead. Some of these acts include washing your hands and toys properly, keeping soil outside, dusting frequently and not drinking hot tap water as that contains more lead.
Below are a few reasons as to why lead is dangerous, as well as the statistics of lead poisoning in American children across the various states of America.
Infographic by: ModernCastle
