The effects of lead on childrens brains Essay -- Environment, Toxic M

Once used for varying applications, lead is now known for its toxicity in the human body. Dr. Gary Goldstein, the chief executive of Kennedy Krieger Institute wrote, â€Å"Exposure to excessive amounts of inorganic lead during toddler years may produce lasting adverse effects upon brain function (Goldstein 1990).† Lead poisoning awareness has become increasingly prevalent in the American government, with lead poisoning testing recommended as early as nine to twelve months of age (Health and Human Services 2011). This paper will explain briefly lead’s history and industrial uses, as well as give an in-depth analysis on lead’s exposure to children and how it affects their developing brains. Lead, simply put, is an element found in the earth’s crust. It is slightly soluble in water and is transported mainly through the atmosphere (Harte et al. 1991). The human usage of lead dates back to five- thousand years ago when it was discovered that small quantities of silver could be extracted from lead ore (Harte et al. 1991). The ancient civilizations of Phoenicia, Egypt, Greece, India, and China used lead for vessels, roofs, water ducts, utensils, ornaments, and weights (Harte et al. 1991). Romans used lead acetate as an artificial sweetener in their drinks. Lead acetate, known as sugar of lead, would sweeten a vintage without causing further fermentation, which would have occurred with the addition of sweeteners like honey (Le Courteur and Burreson 2003). The Romans also used lead pipes for plumbing their homes with water. The Latin name for lead is Plumbum (like the word plumbing) hence the symbol Pb on the periodic table (August 1998). Only the rich Romans had access to water in their homes through lead pipes. Lead poisoning from th... ...ead levels are above 45 ÃŽ ¼g/dL (Ginsberg and Toal 2006). In conclusion, lead is a very widespread poison that has been intertwined throughout the history of mankind. To prevent poisoning from this toxic substance, foods should be washed prior to cooking of eating. Hands, particularly those of young children, should be washed before meals (Harte et al. 1991). Flaking lead-based paint needs to be removed by a professional; intact lead paint on buildings should be maintained occasionally by painting over using lead-free coatings. Joggers and cyclists should exercise away from traffic and avoid peak driving hours (Harte et al. 1991). As a nation, strides are being made to lower contact with lead on day to day bases. On the other hand, countries around the world need to learn from history’s mistakes on lead usage; otherwise, they are just going to repeat the past. The effects of lead on children's brains Essay -- Environment, Toxic M Once used for varying applications, lead is now known for its toxicity in the human body. Dr. Gary Goldstein, the chief executive of Kennedy Krieger Institute wrote, â€Å"Exposure to excessive amounts of inorganic lead during toddler years may produce lasting adverse effects upon brain function (Goldstein 1990).† Lead poisoning awareness has become increasingly prevalent in the American government, with lead poisoning testing recommended as early as nine to twelve months of age (Health and Human Services 2011). This paper will explain briefly lead’s history and industrial uses, as well as give an in-depth analysis on lead’s exposure to children and how it affects their developing brains. Lead, simply put, is an element found in the earth’s crust. It is slightly soluble in water and is transported mainly through the atmosphere (Harte et al. 1991). The human usage of lead dates back to five- thousand years ago when it was discovered that small quantities of silver could be extracted from lead ore (Harte et al. 1991). The ancient civilizations of Phoenicia, Egypt, Greece, India, and China used lead for vessels, roofs, water ducts, utensils, ornaments, and weights (Harte et al. 1991). Romans used lead acetate as an artificial sweetener in their drinks. Lead acetate, known as sugar of lead, would sweeten a vintage without causing further fermentation, which would have occurred with the addition of sweeteners like honey (Le Courteur and Burreson 2003). The Romans also used lead pipes for plumbing their homes with water. The Latin name for lead is Plumbum (like the word plumbing) hence the symbol Pb on the periodic table (August 1998). Only the rich Romans had access to water in their homes through lead pipes. Lead poisoning from th... ...ead levels are above 45 ÃŽ ¼g/dL (Ginsberg and Toal 2006). In conclusion, lead is a very widespread poison that has been intertwined throughout the history of mankind. To prevent poisoning from this toxic substance, foods should be washed prior to cooking of eating. Hands, particularly those of young children, should be washed before meals (Harte et al. 1991). Flaking lead-based paint needs to be removed by a professional; intact lead paint on buildings should be maintained occasionally by painting over using lead-free coatings. Joggers and cyclists should exercise away from traffic and avoid peak driving hours (Harte et al. 1991). As a nation, strides are being made to lower contact with lead on day to day bases. On the other hand, countries around the world need to learn from history’s mistakes on lead usage; otherwise, they are just going to repeat the past. The effects of lead on children's brains Essay -- Environment, Toxic M Once used for varying applications, lead is now known for its toxicity in the human body. Dr. Gary Goldstein, the chief executive of Kennedy Krieger Institute wrote, â€Å"Exposure to excessive amounts of inorganic lead during toddler years may produce lasting adverse effects upon brain function (Goldstein 1990).† Lead poisoning awareness has become increasingly prevalent in the American government, with lead poisoning testing recommended as early as nine to twelve months of age (Health and Human Services 2011). This paper will explain briefly lead’s history and industrial uses, as well as give an in-depth analysis on lead’s exposure to children and how it affects their developing brains. Lead, simply put, is an element found in the earth’s crust. It is slightly soluble in water and is transported mainly through the atmosphere (Harte et al. 1991). The human usage of lead dates back to five- thousand years ago when it was discovered that small quantities of silver could be extracted from lead ore (Harte et al. 1991). The ancient civilizations of Phoenicia, Egypt, Greece, India, and China used lead for vessels, roofs, water ducts, utensils, ornaments, and weights (Harte et al. 1991). Romans used lead acetate as an artificial sweetener in their drinks. Lead acetate, known as sugar of lead, would sweeten a vintage without causing further fermentation, which would have occurred with the addition of sweeteners like honey (Le Courteur and Burreson 2003). The Romans also used lead pipes for plumbing their homes with water. The Latin name for lead is Plumbum (like the word plumbing) hence the symbol Pb on the periodic table (August 1998). Only the rich Romans had access to water in their homes through lead pipes. Lead poisoning from th... ...ead levels are above 45 ÃŽ ¼g/dL (Ginsberg and Toal 2006). In conclusion, lead is a very widespread poison that has been intertwined throughout the history of mankind. To prevent poisoning from this toxic substance, foods should be washed prior to cooking of eating. Hands, particularly those of young children, should be washed before meals (Harte et al. 1991). Flaking lead-based paint needs to be removed by a professional; intact lead paint on buildings should be maintained occasionally by painting over using lead-free coatings. Joggers and cyclists should exercise away from traffic and avoid peak driving hours (Harte et al. 1991). As a nation, strides are being made to lower contact with lead on day to day bases. On the other hand, countries around the world need to learn from history’s mistakes on lead usage; otherwise, they are just going to repeat the past.