Lara Taylor EEC4731 Milestone 1

What is it? Lead poisoning is a condition in which an individual absorbs too much lead into their system. Can be absorbed by breathing it or swallowing it, then it gradually accumulates in the brain and nervous systems, tissues and kidneys. Found in dust, paint, food or water. Caused by months or years of exposure to high levels of lead. Most harmful to young children. 310,000 children each year (ages 1-5) are found to have unsafe levels of lead in their blood.

Symptoms Irritability Loss of appetite and nausea Headaches Constipation Listlessness Learning problems (short attention span, mental retardation) Behavior Problems Eating dirt or paint chips Weight loss Pale skin Metallic taste in mouth

Long Term Effects Decreased bone and muscle growth Poor muscle coordination Damage to nervous system Speech and language problems Developmental delay Can lower IQ by 4 to 5 percent In extremely high levels of lead poisoning children can exhibit seizures or unconsciousness

How is it treated? Removal of sources of lead in ones environment Increase of Iron and Vitamin C in ones diet Chelation therapy: In Chelation therapy, a person receives and injection of a chelating agent which attaches to the excess amounts of lead in the body, then the excess lead is excreted in the urine.

Preventative Measures Preventative measures that can reduce and eliminate lead exposure: Good hand washing habits Refraining from putting hands and objects inside the mouth Regular cleaning of children's toys Including a consistent source of Iron to ones diet

Where is all this Lead found? Excess levels of lead that may be harmful to the body are found in: Old lead-based house paint Contaminated drinking water Imported toys and metallic trinkets Secondhand toys and furniture (manufactured before 1978)

Teaching Modifications In the classroom, it is important for teachers to remove any toys or objects that may be contaminated with lead or contain high levels of the metal. If a student is afflicted with high levels of lead poisoning he or she may be placed in a special educational class where they can receive extra help and guidance with school work.

As a teacher….. As a teacher, I would practice preventative health measures to ensure that my students are not exposing themselves to toys and items that may contain excessive amounts of lead. I would constantly remind my students to wash or sanitize their hands before and after playing with toys or interacting with other materials. I would remove any toys or objects that may contain increased levels of lead. If one of my students was diagnosed with Lead poisoning, I would take the steps to have them placed in a class where they could receive extra help, or if no such class exists, I would be sure to give them extra guidance with activities and assignments.

Sources (2008, June 26). Chelation Therapy. Retrieved from Marotz, Lynn R. (2009). Health, Safety, and Nutrition for the Young Child: Seventh Edition. United States: Thomson Delmar Learning. (2008, June 26). Lead Poisoning-Prevention. Retrieved from (2008, June 26). Lead Poisoning-Topic Overview. Retrieved from (2011). About Lead Poisoning. Retrieved from (n.d.). Physically Impaired and Other Health Impairment-Frequently Asked Questions. Retrieved from stions.aspx