Heavy Metals/ Lead
Lead intoxication in humans results in devastating health effects. Lead occurs naturally in the earth, but should not enter the human's body. Humans are exposed to lead through various forms including mining, manufacturing, recycling activities, lead-based paints, lead gasoline, and largely from lead-acid batteries in motor vehicles.
Although efforts have been made and lead has now been removed from home paints, there are adverse health effects that still affect humans. Specifically, the central nervous system is affected and damaged. I believe more needs to be done to test materials and hold companies responsible for the damages that result from lead intoxication.
The environmental health response to the devastating lead intoxication was collaborative and comprehensive. Over 400 children lives were cut short due to lead intoxication as a result from soil lead intoxication in artisanal gold processing in residential areas. The loss of children lives is unacceptable, but the actions taken by international and non-governmental organizations, and Nigerian authorities greatly decreased the lead levels in children over a 4 year period.
I am happy that action was taken in Nigeria because places like Nigeria are usually ignored when it comes to Public Health issues.
ReplyDeleteExposure for the lead can be through contaminated air, water, dust, food, and work exposure.
ReplyDeleteChildren are at high risk to for exposure because they like to put objects in their mouth and they will absorb more lead. The good thing that lead poising is preventable and we just need to follow the precautious guidelines in order to be safe.