1. Lead Investigation Vanessa Corea Samantha Detres Junixer Diaz Period 5

2. Problem Statement: How are people exposed to lead and how does it affect people? How is the Hernandez family contaminated and why?

3. Hypothesis: If people are exposed to lead through condemnation of soil or through lead used as a metal then it can cause serious harmful illnesses may occur to humans through high quantities of lead. The Hernandez Family are contaminated because they have Old Cuban tile floors, they have furniture from South America,Glazed ceramic cookware, and the house is always air-conditioned and windows are barely opened.Finally, the house has old metal blinds in some areas that appear to be deteriorating from age.

4. Lead Information: Lead is a highly toxic metal that produces a range of adverse health effects, particularly in young children. Different types of exposures of lead: through deteriorating paint and dust, air, drinking water, food, and contaminated soil. two-thirds of homes built before 1940, and one-half of homes built from 1940 to 1960 contain lead-based paint. Most paint made after 1978 contains no intentionally added lead, since it was banned from use on the interior and exterior of homes.

5. Symptoms caused by Lead Health effect: brain damage affect a child’s growth damage kidneys impair hearing cause vomiting headaches appetite loss cause learning and behavioral problems. Exposure to lead is estimated by measuring levels in the blood 10 microgram per deciliter. In adults lead: increase blood pressure digestive problems kidney damage nerve disorders sleep problems muscle and joint pain mood changes.

6. Lead is absorbed into the body through the lungs or the mouth and is a cumulative poison, being stored in the bone tissue. A house painter affected by chronic lead poisoning. Wasted muscles and wrist drop are tell-tale symptoms of lead poisoning.

7. The Hernandez family: Home is located on street with large Mediterranean-style houses. They moved to Miami from Argentina around one year ago. The mother works in an art dealer and the father works for a bank, parents work and travel. There little boy was screen for lead exposure with a high blood lead level of 24.5 micrograms/deciliter.

8. Data: Poverty is a major risk factor for lead poisoning. Miami has many residential areas that are old and in poor repair. Tile floors are in old condition are believed to be a new risk factor due to their lead glaze. large number of immigrants bring to Miami practices from areas with more common uses of lead for cottage industries and medicinal purposes.

9. Conclusion: How Can I Reduce Lead Exposure? If you have a house from the 1940s prevent removing the paint off the walls. Keep area clean and dust free Wash toys, stuffed animals, and bedding regularly. Prevent ingestion of sand, dirt, or paint chips. Grass areas are safe for children at play. Make sure children remove and wipe their shoes and wash their hands whenever they come inside after playing outdoors test solder or plumbing fixtures in your home and faucet water. Do not store food or drink in containers made from crystal. What can be done? The only way to diagnose lead poisoning is with a blood test. A blood lead concentration of 15-19 mg/dl merits a home visit, inspection, and educational intervention. Someone with a blood lead concentration of 20-44 mg/dl must undergo environmental remediation, and medical evaluation. A measurement of 45- 69 mg/dl requires the patient to undergo chelation treatment. A blood lead concentration of 70 + mg/dl constitutes a medical emergency. Medical treatment is only given in severe cases of lead poisoning.