How to Get Rid of Lead Poisoning

Lead poisoning is the presence of too much lead in the body. The most common avoidable pediatric health problem in the United States today, it is caused by exposure to lead that is either eaten or breathed, in the form of dust. The body carries the lead in the blood to soft tissues and bones, somewhere it can be stored for many years. In adults, lead can increase blood pressure and cause sterility, nerve disorders and muscle and joint pain. It can also make you irritable and affect your capacity to concentrate and remember. Lead is particularly dangerous for children.  A child who swallows large quantities of lead can develop anemia, severe tummy ache, muscle weakness, and brain injure.Even low levels of lead are related to lower IQ scores. Other sources of lead poisoning include contaminated air, water, soil, and some toys and cosmetics. Although lead is still found extensively in the environment, you can take a number of steps to help protect yourself and your family.

In lead poisoning, ingested or inhaled lead enters the bloodstream. It inhibits the production of hemoglobin which is necessary by red cells to carry oxygen and locks onto and inactivates essential enzymes in the brain and nervous system. Lead poisoning cases today are either the result of ingestion of exhausted lead shot or fishing sinkers and jig heads during normal feeding activities. Once the lead reaches toxic levels in the tissues, muscle paralysis, and associated complications consequence in death. Lead poisoning can go undetected because often there are no apparent signs or symptoms. By removing or avoiding lead sources or with early detection and treatment, you can prevent or limit the injurious effects of lead poisoning.

Causes of Lead Poisoning

Common causes and risk factors of Lead Poisoning:-

1. Eating lead-based paint chips.
2. Breathing dust from lead-based paint as it is sanded off or removed.
3. Taking in dust that has lead in it, usually in an older home. Children can be poisoned if they put their hands in their mouth after touching something dusty (such as a toy).

Symptoms of Lead Poisoning

Common symptoms of a Lead Poisoning include:-

1. Constipation
2. Abdominal pain
3. Irritability
4. Loss of appetite
5. Vomiting
6. Memory loss.
7. Difficulty sleeping.
8. Muscular weakness.
9. Weight loss.

Treatment of Lead Poisoning

1. Your child's blood will be tested for lead. If any lead is found, more tests will be taken and your child can be given drug.
2. If imported wine containers have a lead foil wrapper, wipe the rim and neck of the bottle with a towel humidified with lemon juice, vinegar, or wine before use.
3. If your child has lead poisoning, a public health worker will teach you how to make your home secure.
4. Blood tests are the only manner to know if your child has been poisoned.