Fredericksburg Parent

20 Fredericksburg Parent and Family • August 2024 Lead is a naturally occurring toxic metal. While it can be found in our envi- ronment, it serves no purpose in the body, and interferes with the function of organs such as the kidneys, muscles and brain. While our bodies can eliminate many other toxins through metabolism and excretion, we have no ability to purge lead. WHERE CAN LEAD BE FOUND IN OUR DAILY ENVIRONMENTS? Lead has been used in a number of products over the years. As national and global health authorities have learned more about the dangers of lead poisoning, more regulations have been enacted to control where lead can be found. But we still have many lead hazards that could pose a threat to children here in Virginia. The most common source of lead exposure that is likely to impact children in the Fredericksburg region is lead paint. While lead was banned in paint in the U.S. in 1978, about half of homes built before that year have lead- based paint, and the likelihood of lead paint being present increases with the age of the home. Intact lead paint may not pose a danger, but any lead paint that is chip- ping or peeling is a threat, as chips can be ingested by children. Lead paint on high-friction surfaces such as entryways and windowsills also poses a threat, as these surfaces often throw off lead dust that children can ingest as they play on the floor and put objects and hands in their mouths. WHO IS MOST AT RISK FOR LEAD POISONING? Children under age 6 are at the highest risk. This is because they are rapidly growing and developing, and lead exposure can interfere with these processes. They also spend a lot of time on their hands and knees, and put objects and their hands in their mouths. This is exact- ly what kids this age should be doing, so it's important to ensure their environment is free of lead. The bodies of young children absorb lead at a faster rate than those of adults. Even small amounts of lead are dangerous to young children. Because we have the ability to remediate the most com- mon source of lead exposure for young children—lead in the home—childhood lead poisoning is considered the most preventable environmental disease among young children. HOW DOES LEAD EXPOSURE IMPACT CHILDREN? Lead exposure in early childhood can have many negative health impacts, including: • Brain and nervous-system damage. • Hearing and speech problems. • Learning and attention issues. • Slowed growth and development. The impacts of childhood lead expo- sure have long-term effects through- out a child's life. Children exposed to lead at a young age may start to fall behind their peers at school because of slowed growth and development and learning and behavior issues. This underperformance at school can cause wider-ranging impacts, includ- ing social isolation and challenges fitting in with peers. BUILD A LEAD-FIGHTING DIET What is LEAD? In addition to paint in homes, lead can also be found in: • Water contaminated with lead from lead service lines and leaded plumbing or fixtures. • Soil contaminated by leaded gasoline or lead-based paint around the exterior of a home. • Consumer products such as toys and jewelry, especially those that are old, "antique" or imported. • Traditional medicines or cosmetics, particularly imported cosmetics such as kohl and sindoor, and some traditional medicines, such as greta or ghasard, used in countries such as India, Mexico and Vietnam. • Imported candy and spices. • Ceramics or pottery used to serve or store food that is coated with glaze that contains lead. Parents engaging in specific jobs and hobbies can also accidentally bring lead into the home. Jobs in construction or demolition, battery recycling, smelting or working at or visiting a shooting range have the potential for lead exposure. Hobbies such as stained- glass making, hunting or fishing and pottery can also expose individuals to lead.

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