Lead is a naturally occurring element found in small amounts in
the earth's crust. While it has some beneficial uses, it can be
toxic to humans and animals causing health effects.
Why was Lead used?
Lead has been put in products for many reasons:
- It prevents corrosion. Lead will not crack easily with wear,
weather, or temperature change.
- It kills mold and mildew. Lead is used in areas with lots of
moisture.
- It is easy to shape. Lead is a soft metal and melts at a low
temperature (620 F).
- It is strong. Lead has a lot of mechanical strength.
- It blocks radiation. Lead is used in products designed to block
radiation, such as the lead aprons used when X-rays are taken.
- It blocks sound. Lead was sometimes used for
sound-proofing.
- It helps paint dry. Lead was added to paint to quicken the
drying process.
Lead is Dangerous
Lead is a dangerous poison. You can't see or feel the lead that
can make you sick. Lead is most dangerous when it is in the form of
dust or fumes. Lead dust particles can be very small. Sometimes
they are so small, you can't see them. They are easy to breathe if
they are in
the air. They are also easy to swallow if they are on anything you
put in your mouth-like food, cigarettes, toys,or fingers. Lead dust
settles on flat surfaces. When you touch those surfaces, you get
lead on your hands. If you put your hands to your mouth, you will
swallow lead dust. Since young children put their hands in their
mouths a lot, they are at a high risk for lead poisoning.
Lead Causes Health Problems
It is important to know that even exposure to low levels of lead
can severely harm children.
In children, exposure to lead can cause:
- Nervous system and kidney damage
- Learning disabilities, attention-deficit disorder, and
decreased intelligence
- Speech, language, and behavior
problems
- Poor muscle coordination
- Decreased muscle and bone growth
- Hearing damage
While low-lead exposure is most common, exposure to high amounts
of lead can have
devastating effects on children, including seizures,
unconsciousness, and in some cases, death.
Although children are especially susceptible to lead exposure,
lead can be dangerous for adults, too.
In adults, exposure to lead can cause:
- Harm to a developing fetus
- Increased chance of high blood pressure during pregnancy
- Fertility problems (in men and women)
- High blood pressure
- Digestive problems
- Nerve disorders
- Memory and concentration problems
- Muscle and joint pain
To learn more about the dangers of lead, call PHA's Lead
Paint Hotline at 215-684-8600.