Lead Poisoning Among Children

Question: What are the physical and mental effects of pollution on children? Answer: Absolute risks are faced by growing children because of pollution as their lungs are growing and their activeness. Lead is a metal that is naturally occurring and used in almost everything and can cause serious health ailments to young children because their small growing bodies are more susceptible of retaining and captivating lead. Physical health problems in children: Lead is a dangerous metal once it gets into the body as it gets distributed in the whole body of an individual like iron, calcium and zinc etc. Lead is harmful inside the body like for example if it is in the bloodstream, red blood cells can be damaged by it that can result in limiting the ability of carrying oxygen into the various parts and tissues of the body and this can make the person anemic (Balbus, 2008). There can also be a problem of interference of lead with the blood cells and also the calcium will be absorbed that is needed for the growth of strong and healthy body. Calcium that is damaged by lead is essential for the proper growth of teeth, muscle contraction and effective functioning of blood vessels and nerves (Long, 2001). If lead remains for long-term in individuals, it can lead to dangerous results of increased risk of high blood pressure and damages to the kidney of human beings. Mental effects of lead pollution in Children: Central nervous system and brain of children is attacked by lead that causes convulsions, coma and can even lead to death among individuals. On the other hand, the survivors of lead poisoning may encounter severe health problems of disruptions in behavior and mental retardation (Binns, Ricks, 2003). The development of brain in children is also adversely affected by children that lead to reduced intelligence quotient (IQ). Children due to lead poisoning may face other serious health issues such as shortened attention span, condensed attainment of education and increment in the anti-social behavior in children. Other major health ailments caused by lead exposure are immunotoxicity, anemia, hypertension and renal impairment (Needleman, 2004, p-215). Children can also face an acute problem of toxicity to the various reproductive organs. It is believed that the behavioral and neurological effects of lead on children are irreversible. A cooperative initiative must be taken both by the government and the society for preventing lead poisoning among children. Children must be prevented from exposure to leaded paints that can cause them lead ailments and also the occupational exposure to lead contained paints will also be reduced. With this approach the manufacturing and sale of lead contained paints can be minimized that can even prevent children up to a great extent from the risks of lead poisoning. The dangerous nature of Lead has been causing lots of issues as well as tension for he parents. Lead can have physical as well as mental effects on the growing children. The above sections takes into considerations various effects and measures that can be taken to fight it. References: Balbus, J. 2008 Best reason yet for congestion pricing: Kids mental health Daily News 23 March, viewed 27 June 2008. Binns, HJ Ricks OB 2003, Helping parents prevent lead poising. Viewed 27 June 2008. Long, R. 2001, the effects of air pollution on children, in Lecture Ready 2, P Sarosky K Sherak 2006, Oxford University Press, Oxford p.57. Needleman, H., 2004. Lead poisoning.Annu. Rev. Med.,55, pp.209-222.