Lead Poisoning Information

Rain forest NZ (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Environmental Issues on Lead.

One major issue that harms the environment as well as mankind is lead. Many people have long forgotten about the dangers of lead and think this is an issue that has already been handled. However, there are many lead sources still around us in many forms. Lead can be found in homes built before 1978, soil, paint, dust particles, drinking water, old smelters, and some work places. This is a problem for all of us because the sources are so numerous and a part of our everyday lives.

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Lead can cause many issues for people. Paint chips is the most well-known source of lead contamination as the dust particles from the paint can cause health problems. Young children and pets can also consume paint chips that can cause health complications. Many of us have heard about imported children’s toys and pet toys that have high concentrations of lead. The most recent news we have heard regarding lead contamination was about the Shrek® glasses from McDonalds®. There is also a great deal of lead in the soil, especially in communities that have old smelters that has launched lead particles in the air over a significant amount of time.

The cost of the problem is decreasing over time. As we continue to eliminate lead from our production we are seeing fewer issues associated with lead. However, there are still many sources of lead in existence. Many of our homes have lead supplies built into the structure. Many of us have lead paint at the core of the walls. It will take a significant amount of time to contain and hopefully eliminate lead in our daily lives. The current cost issues right now can be linked to health care that has been needed as direct responses to lead related illnesses.

Looking at solutions, it may not be feasible to actually eliminate lead from our environment, but containment has been the popular solution in recent decades. Many homes that contain lead paint encourage owners to either have the paint removed or isolated within the walls. In regards to the soil, communities encourage children not to play in the soil and to wash thoroughly in order to prevent any lead dust or particles from getting into food, water, or airways of people. The best solution for lead is two-fold. The continued non-use of lead substances will help diminish lead-related illnesses coupled with the isolation of current lead products will continue to address the lead problems in our society.

Rain forest around Mt Kenya 1 (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

So far, these approaches to resolve the lead abundance and use in our society have been effective. Eliminating the use of lead would also help combat the health risks associated with its use. If the US did not permit the use of lead in any product and monitored imported items would assist in keeping lead out of the US and out of the bodies of Americans. Being cautious when renovating a home or when gardening will also help minimize risk of lead illnesses. These tools will also help combat this environmental issue. A combination of government assistance and personal responsibility will also aide in the lead problem and in moving forward with solutions. Elimination of future lead use would have a significant impact on future lead related illnesses for the coming generations. The transition from lead products to more environmentally friendly products will likely cost more, however taking into consideration the costs that are related to illnesses as a result of the lead exposure, it will be financially beneficial to eliminate lead in the long run.

The Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) has a section regarding the prevention of lead based paint poisoning. The Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) also regulates the use of lead products in homes and workplaces. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and lawmakers utilize CFRs, TSCAs, and other legislation to regulate the use, handling, isolation, and clean-up of lead. Many third world countries, especially China, do not have such restrictions on lead use in everyday products as more industrialized countries do. The use of lead in products is cost efficient and that is why it is often permitted.

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Reference:

US Environmental Protection Agency. “Lead in Paint, Dust, and Soil.” Accessed: July 1,

2010. Internet: <http://www.epa.gov/lead/>.

Withgott, Jay & Scott Brennan. Essential Environment: 3^rd Ed. Pearson Custom

Publishing: San Francisco, 2009.