Prolonged exposure to harmful chemicals may lead to
low birth weights or still births and should be unconditionally
avoided. Hazardous substances may be encountered in our everyday
lives and you should have a heightened awareness of them especially
when you're planning to conceive.
Lead has long been recognized as a harmful environmental
pollutant. There are many ways in which humans are exposed to lead
and most of the time we may not even be aware of it. Airborne lead
enters the body when an individual breathes in lead particles or
swallows some lead dust.
Until recently, the most important airborne source
of lead was automobile exhaust. Since 1975, there has been a 95
percent reduction in the use of lead in gasoline due to the Environmental
Protection Agency's Phasedown Program and the replacement of older
cars with newer cars that require the use of unleaded gasoline.
Seeking out sources of lead in the household and
surrounding areas can be crucial in safeguarding your family members,
especially children and pets. It has now been determined that the
effects from lead paint, household dust, lead crystal and some imported
pottery.
Did you know?
Women trying to conceive or who are pregnant should stay away
from lead.
Lead can cause pregnancy difficulties including:
Miscarriages,
stillbirths,
menstrual disorders,
abnormal sperm,
mental retardation
Lead can be found in:
Batteries, paints, lead pipes, solder, ceramics, smelter
emissions
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Children are considered to be at the greatest risk
of exposure because they have such intimate contact with the environment.
Their faster metabolism causes them to eat more for their body weight
and to breathe faster.
Children also tend to play and breathe closer to the ground where
lead dust concentrates. They are also likely to put their hands
in their mouths, which can bring lead just directly into their bodies.
Parents can take several steps to help protect their children from
the effects of lead within the home environment. Cover peeling or
exposed paint with wood paneling or vinyl wallpaper. Stripping off
the paint will release more lead into the environment, and a new
coat of paint can itself peel, re-exposing the paint beneath it.
Also, lead and lead salts are toxic to pets. Pets are naturally
curious and are prone to claw, scratch and pick at peeling materials.
To minimize the risk to your pet, watch what they pick up in their
mouths! These toxic lead salts can be found in such common things
as insecticides and linoleum.
Be careful when doing any kind of remodeling such as removing old
paint, replacing linoleum on floors, counters, etc. Keep pets and
children away from work sites and building materials. Properly dispose
of any leaded materials and remove them promptly from the premises.
Know the possible signs of lead poisoning, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal
pain, lack of appetite, irritability, listlessness, hysteria or
convulsions. When a pet shows gastrointestinal as well as neurological
symptoms, lead poisoning could be the culprit and you should contact
the vet as soon as possible.
Many water mains are still made of lead, so household water should
be tested for lead content. If lead is present in the water, allow
it to run for a few minutes before using it. Use cold or bottled
water to prepare foods or infant's formula because hot water tends
to leech more lead. Iron deficiency anemia is a common problem among
one and two year olds that predisposes them to eating nonfood substances
and causes them to absorb more of the lead taken into their bodies.
If lead exposure is suspected, consult your health department about
appropriate removal and clean-up procedures. Also, people who may
have been exposed to lead or lead dust recently should have the
lead levels in their blood tested by their doctor or local health
department.
Want to learn more?
"So You Have Actively Trying To Get Pregnant" will go over all the important medical conditions, health risks and problem causing chemicals. We show you how they relate to pregnancy and steps to overcome possible problems
