Although not as prevalent as a decade ago, lead poisoning in the United States continues to be a source of concern for health care providers. It only takes a small amount of lead to cause lead poisoning. When lead gets into the system it alters the way nerve cells signal each other, causing nervous system damage and effects to other major organs in your body.
Before 1978 health care facilities, federal buildings, and schools were painted with lead-based paint. Removal of the paint has been accomplished in most of these buildings but unfortunately, millions of homes still have lead-based paint on the interior and exterior.
Who’s at Risk?
Lead exposure can harm unborn babies. Infants, children and pregnant women are considered more at risk than other segments of the population. People who work with lead, do demolition work, weld or work in lead dust can become lead toxic.
How Do We Get Lead Poisoning?
Lead poisoning can be introduced into the system by ingestion and breathing it in. It does not absorb through the skin. Ingestion can occur when putting an object with lead dust into the mouth or eating paint chips. Sanding or altering lead paint in any way can stir up tiny dust particles in the air and when it is breathed in, lead poisoning can occur.