Are you aware of the danger that lead poisoning can induce? Unfortunately, children are more susceptible when exposed for long periods of time, and old or poorly made toys can have lead paint on them. Even with all the changes to decrease the use of lead, problems are still recorded each year. We’ll cover recent reports and other information that you should be aware of.
Lead Sources
Lead poisoning can occur from a variety of sources, this includes lead paint, outdated plumbing fixtures, airborne contaminants, and even toys! Both imported and domestic products can have dangerous quantities of lead, though government regulations try to reduce the odds of a product making it to consumers with too much lead.
Reports from USA Today and the Environmental Working Group (EWG) discuss an abundance of products recalled due to the concern of lead exposure. Some of the products included Disney-themed clothing lines, as well as children sippy cups. It’s crucial to remember that these products would have been found in multiple retail stores or digital storefronts, such as Ross or Amazon. More examples of recalls include Aflac and Hasbro. The first example is the Aflac promotional Doctor Duck plush. The two buttons on his lab coat exceed lead standards and it affected around 635,500 units. The next example is on the Hasbro Super Soaker XP 20 & XP 30. There is a sticker logo on the side of the soaker which exceeds lead standards with the ink used, and it affected around 52,900 units. Without proper notice, these products could have resulted in dangerous symptoms.
Health Effects
The health effects from lead exposure can be much greater, and far deadlier for children. This is due to the fact that a growing body has a higher chance of taking in larger amounts of lead while developing. For children, a few of the minor symptoms include headaches, vomiting, or fatigue. When looking at the more serious symptoms, there can be weight loss, brain damage, developmental delays, learning issues, and even seizures. For newborns, there’s a chance of a premature birth or even growing at a slower rate than normal. Lead exposure is not a problem you want to take the risk for.
Lead exposure won’t be a problem that appears right away. It may take months for lead exposure to reach a level that is severe, but even small quantities can kill children and babies. It’s important to be aware of the issue to make sure you can take precautions before it gets out of control. Lead exposure doesn’t have any clear treatment as well. Instead, a patient will need to undergo therapy that can allow the body to get rid of excess lead.
Are you concerned that your home might be dealing with a lead problem? If so, we have a variety of services that focus upon lead inspections, assessment, and remediation. You can find more information about our lead services, or other endeavors, on our services page. To contact us, be sure to call or fill out the form found on our contact page.
(Updated January 2024)
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