What are the Health Hazards?
Lead poisoning occurs when lead has been introduced into the bloodstream by ingestion and inhalation of lead dust or fumes. It replaces the calcium and/or iron in the hemoglobin. Children under six years of age are at most risk because of their rapidly developing bodies. Lead can be stored in tissue and bones for several years and may reach the toxic level later in life. The normal level of lead in the blood is 0-10 ug/dl, a person has lead poisoning when blood levels are above 15 ug/dl, and levels greater than 45 ug/dl are considered medical emergencies where hospital treatment is advised. One hundred to 150 ug/dl is lethal in children. Children with high levels of lead in their bodies may suffer damage to the brain and nervous system, behavior and learning problems, slowed growth, hearing problems, and headaches. One in six children in the USA has unsafe blood-lead levels, one in eleven has dangerous blood-lead levels. Over 1.7 million children now have blood-lead levels above safe l
