The Effects Of Lead On Children

Lead is common in the environment. Lead has been known to mankind for more than 3000 years and its harmful effects are known for nearly 300 years. (Kishore Kumar and Kesaree, 1999). It is a cumulative toxicant that affects multiple body systems, including the neurologic, haematologic, gastrointestinal, cardiovascular, and renal systems. Children are particularly vulnerable to the neurotoxic effects of lead, and even relatively low levels of exposure can cause serious and in some cases irreversible neurological damage. Mining waste causes higher prevalence of elevated blood lead levels in children (Murgueytio et al, 1998). Lead poisoning is a serious and fatal condition. Poorer quality of home and environment has been found to be an independent contributor for increased blood lead concentrations (Baghurst et al, 1999). Lead is a highly toxic metal and a very strong poison. Parents can reduce their children’s exposure to lead from sources like wet-mopping floors and removing dust with a wet cloth; removing shoes prior to entering the house; not allowing children to play in areas containing bare soil; and frequently washing their children’s faces and hands. Diets rich in nutrients, such as iron, calcium, and zinc, and low in fat have been shown to reduce the amount of lead that children absorb into their bodies (Hilary, 2009).

Research studies on lead proved that living in a crowded neighborhood, mother 's lower education, father 's occupation (as professional worker) and parental smoking at home were associated with increased lead levels (Liu et al,