Premium Essay

Lead

In: Science

Submitted By sarajfine
Words 984
Pages 4
Lead (Pb) is a malleable, ductile, heavy metal that is resistant to corrosion and is bluish-white in color but turns gray and tarnishes when exposed to air. It is a moderately active metal, dissolves slowly in water, and does not burn.
It is naturally occurring in the Earth’s crust. Its abundance is estimated to be between 13 and 20 parts per million. It rarely occurs as a pure element and its most commonly found in the form of lead sulfide (PbS). Children are the most vulnerable population susceptible to the health hazards of lead exposure. They are more sensitive to elevated blood led levels, are more likely to ingest toxins due to frequent hand-to-mouth activity, and are more likely to breathe lead-contaminated dust and soil as well as fumes close to the ground.

Increased lead levels in pregnant women may pose risk to the developing fetus. Low lead levels that may harm the fetus and cause neurological problems in newborns may not present risk to the mother.
Women may also store lead in their bones from prior lead exposure that can be released during times of calcium stress such as pregnancy and lactation. Elevated lead levels in pregnant women pose an increased risk of preterm labor, miscarriage, spontaneous abortion or still birth, and low birth weight.

Other major at risk populations include adults whos occupations are in lead-related industries including lead smelting, refining, and manufacturing industries. People who participate in activities or professions involving home renovations, painting, car repair, soldering (electronic, glass, metal), glazing pottery, making stained glass, and molding of bullets, slugs, or fishing sinkers are also at risk.

Lead exposure can occur via breathing air, drinking water, consuming foods, or swallowing dust or dirt containing lead. Exposure is primarily due to inhalation of particles

Similar Documents

Premium Essay

Lead Toxicity: Lead Poisoning

...Lead Toxicity Animals can be exposed to material that contains lead by eating, drinking and inhaling. An item that most commonly is chewed and digested that contains lead is paint chips from older houses or barns. Drinking water from the faucet that has been contaminated with lead and served to the domestic pet. Household pets that use everyday batteries as play toys with licking and chewing. Insecticides can be inhaled by an animal while spraying is being performed. Even if a domestic pet or farm animal gets shot by a lead bullet, the body absorbs the lead concentrate. “Lead is absorbed into the body through the gastrointestinal tract or by inhalation of dust”. (Wismer, 2016). Any animal species can get lead poisoning if they have...

Words: 388 - Pages: 2

Free Essay

Lead Poisoning

...Lead poisoning (also known as plumbism, colica Pictonum, saturnism, Devon colic[->0], or painter's colic) is a medical condition caused by increased levels of the heavy metal[->1] lead[->2] in the body. Lead interferes with a variety of body processes and is toxic to many organs and tissues including the heart[->3], bones[->4], intestines[->5], kidneys[->6], and nervous[->7] systems.Symptoms include abdominal pain, confusion[->8], headache, anemia[->9], irritability, and in severe cases seizures[->10], coma[->11], and death[->12]. Routes of exposure to lead include contaminated air, water, soil, food, and consumer Occupational exposure is a common cause of lead poisoning in adults Classically, "lead poisoning" or "lead intoxication" has been defined as exposure to high levels of lead typically associated with severe health effectsLead is a common environmental pollutant.[11] Causes of environmental contamination include industrial use of lead, such as is found in facilities that process lead-acid batteries or produce lead wire or pipes, and metal recycling and foundries.[32] Children living near facilities that process lead, such as smelters, have been found to have unusually high blood lead levels.[33] In August 2009, parents rioted in China after lead poisoning was found in nearly 2000 children[->13] living near zinc and manganese smelters.[34] Lead exposure can occur from contact with lead in air, household dust, soil, water, and commercial products.[9] People can be...

Words: 814 - Pages: 4

Free Essay

Lead Poisoning

...Question 1: Lead and lead poisoning Lead is a natural metal found in the earth. Lead poisoning can occur if exposure to high levels of lead happens within a short period of time. Lead enters the body via: •Water: About 20% of lead exposure comes through water because water runs through lead pipes connected to our taps. • Air that has been contaminated • Food It enters canned food which were sealed with lead solder. •Soil: lead dust that might have settled on soil and then eaten. Lead poisoning affects more kids than adults. The largest threat to children is lead paint. Whether lead is breathed in or swallowed in, it still causes the same health problems. Problems related to overexposure of lead are, amongst others: • Constant headaches • Pains in the abdomen • Being tired all the time •Constipation • Fatigue •Forgetfulness In extreme cases, lead poisoning can lead to: •brain damage •kidney failure •cancer •seizures Very high levels of lead exposure can also be fatal. Lead is toxic to the nervous system, bones and heart. The symptoms of lead poisoning in children doesnot always show if the child has lead poisoning. It is important for educators to try and prevent lead exposure to children of all ages by putting certain measures in place. For example: •Educate learners of safe drinking habits, eg. Not to drink water from the bathroom taps, to let the tap run a little bit before drinking water, Encourage the drinking of bottled water • Ensure that equipment is well maintained...

Words: 289 - Pages: 2

Free Essay

Lead Poisioning

...LEAD POISONING IN CHILDREN Introduction: Lead poisoning results from the accumulation of lead in the blood and body tissues of those individuals that are frequently exposed to lead. Lead is a heavy metal which is naturally occurring in the soil. It is recognized on the periodic table by its chemical symbol [82Pb]. Lead poisoning is most common in children between the ages of 1 -2 years. Its adverse effects are also most devastating among this age group. Lead is mined and extracted for many industrial and domestic uses. Hence the ease of indoor and outdoor exposure. Chronic exposure to Lead could result in severe morbidity and mortality in affected individuals. Adverse effects of Lead poisoning range from seizures to mental retardation and even death in children. Childhood lead poisoning remains a major environmental health problem in the United States. A more disturbing fact is that even children who appear healthy can sometimes have dangerous levels of lead in their bodies. [8] Short History of lead poisoning: Lead was first mined in Asia Minor (today Turkey) about 6500 BC. A 6000- to 8000-year-old lead necklace was found in the ancient city site of Anatolia. Lead's easy workability, low melting point and corrosion resistance were among its attractions. Lead toxicity was first recognized as early as 2000 BC. Nicander of Colophon wrote of lead-induced anemia and colic in 250 BC. Gout, prevalent in affluent Rome, is thought to be the result of lead, or leaded eating...

Words: 833 - Pages: 4

Free Essay

Lead Poisoning

...Importance of Lead Poisoning * It can cause serious harmful problems effects on the body including: hearing, anemia, peripheral neuropathies, wrist/foot drop, encephalopathy, seizures, coma, and even death. It can also cause children to have lower IQ scores and behavioral issues. * Lead stays within the body for decades, stored within the bones of the human body. * In pregnant women, lead can cross the placental barrier and cause harm to the fetus such as reduced growth and prematurity. Importance of Lead Poisoning * It can cause serious harmful problems effects on the body including: hearing, anemia, peripheral neuropathies, wrist/foot drop, encephalopathy, seizures, coma, and even death. It can also cause children to have lower IQ scores and behavioral issues. * Lead stays within the body for decades, stored within the bones of the human body. * In pregnant women, lead can cross the placental barrier and cause harm to the fetus such as reduced growth and prematurity. Lead Poisoning in Infants Lead Poisoning in Infants Resources Available * Lead-Based Paint Hazard Control Program (Tucson)-Serves low-income families with children under 6 years old. 310 N. Commerce Park Loop, Tucson, AZ 85745 520-791-4171 * Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program-Focuses on food, candies, Mexican folk remedies, and ceramics 150 N. 18th Ave., Ste. 130, Phoenix, Az 85007 602-364-3118 * National Resource * Web-Based Resource ...

Words: 947 - Pages: 4

Free Essay

Lead Poisoning

...Why is it important? * Lead is harmful to child’s brain. It affects child’s behavior, development, ability to learn. Little kids are at higher risk for lead poisoning because they like to chew on objects and to put everything in the mouth. * Just a few particles of dust from lead-based paint are enough to poison a child (LeadFreeKids.org 2015) Why is it important? * Lead is harmful to child’s brain. It affects child’s behavior, development, ability to learn. Little kids are at higher risk for lead poisoning because they like to chew on objects and to put everything in the mouth. * Just a few particles of dust from lead-based paint are enough to poison a child (LeadFreeKids.org 2015) LEAD POISONING LEAD POISONING References: McKinney, E. (2005). Maternal-child nursing. St. Louis, Mo.: Elsevier Saunders. California Department of Public Health,. (2007). Simple Steps to protect your Child from Lead. Retrieved 13 December 2015, from https://www.cdph.ca.gov/programs/CLPPB/Documents/CLPPB-SimpleSteps(E).pdf Leadfreekids.org,. (2015). Leadfreekids.org. Retrieved 13 December 2015, from http://www.leadfreekids.org/ Vivier, P. M., Hauptman, M., Weitzen, S. H., Bell, S., Quilliam, D. N., & Logan, J. R. (2011). The important health impact of where a child lives: Neighborhood characteristics and the burden of lead poisoning. Maternal And Child Health Journal, 15(8), 1195-1202. doi:10.1007/s10995-010-0692-6 Dewalt, F. G., Cox, D. C., O'Haver...

Words: 1165 - Pages: 5

Free Essay

Lead (Chemical Properties and Defenition

...Element: Lead Symbol: Pb Latin Name: Plumbum Atomic Number: 82 Group: 14 Period: 6 Electronic Configuration: * 1s2 2s2p6 3s2p6d10 4s2p6d10f14 5s2p6d10 6s2p2 Electrons per Energy Level: 2,8,18,32,18,4 Shell model: Properties Of Lead (Pb) Chemical Properties of Lead * Electrochemical Equivalent: 3.865g/amp-hr * Electron Work Function: 4.25eV * Electronegativity: 2.33 (Pauling); 1.55 (Allrod Rochow) * Heat of Fusion: 4.799kJ/mol * Incompatibilities: Strong oxidizers, hydrogen peroxide, acids * Ionization Potential * First: 7.416 * Second: 15.028 * Third: 31.943 * Valence Electron Potential (-eV): 24.2 Physical Properties of Lead * Atomic Mass Average: 207.2 * Boiling Point: 2013K 1740°C 3164°F * Coefficient of lineal thermal expansion/K-1: 29.1E-6 * Conductivity Electrical: 0.0481 106/cm Ω Thermal: 0.353 W/cmK * Density: 11.35g/cc @ 300K * Description: A very soft bluish-white metal that tarnishes in moist air. * Elastic Modulus: * Bulk: 46/GPa * Rigidity: 5.6/GPa * Youngs: 16/GPa * Enthalpy of Atomization: 194.6 kJ/mole @ 25°C * Enthalpy of Fusion: 4.77 kJ/mole * Enthalpy of Vaporization: 179.4 kJ/mole * Flammablity Class: Non-combustible solid (except as dust) * Freezing Point: see melting point * Hardness Scale * Brinell: 38.3 MN m-2 * Mohs: 1.5 * Heat of Vaporization: 177.7kJ/mol * Melting Point: 600.75K 327.6°C 621...

Words: 561 - Pages: 3

Free Essay

Chemistry Lead Poisoning

...What is lead poisoning and the effects of it on humans? Lead Poisoning Lead is a highly common element with an atomic number of 82. It is very soft which makes it very malleable. It is also a weak conductor for electricity. Lead is naturally found in soil and is quite poisonous. During the 1920’s and 2000, tons of millions of lead were mined and were enormous during the 20th century. Lead was normally used as a resource in items until the 1970’s. This hazardous material was commonly found in inexpensive children toys and jewelry, window blinds (the continuous exposure of UV rays caused the blinds to degrade), pipes, bullets, and was used in radioactive situations (radiation suits/x-rays). It is also found in drinking water: the pipes overtime corrode causing it to enter into the water. The most common source was from paint; specifically old paint. Lead had the ability to enhance the quality of it which made it able to last longer and cover the surface it was upon better. However, in 1978 the government banned the use of lead paint. Numerous houses and toys before this probably contained lead-based paint. This was very problematic because when paint chips or turns into dust, it floats in the air which can be harmful when it gets into your system. This is also known as lead poisoning. When lead is inhaled or swallowed it is very hazardous and poisonous. Once inside the body it is circulated throughout the body like many minerals such as calcium, zinc, and iron. Lead is like...

Words: 566 - Pages: 3

Premium Essay

Lead Time

...• A lead time is the latency (delay) between the initiation and execution of a process. For example, the lead time between the placement of an order and delivery of a new car from a manufacturer may be anywhere from 2 weeks to 6 months. In industry, lead time reduction is an important part of lean manufacturing. • The amount of time that elapses between when a process starts and when it is completed. Lead time is examined closely in manufacturing, supply chain management and project management, as companies want to reduce the amount of time it takes to deliver products to the market. In business, lead time minimization is normally preferred. • Lead time is the period between a customer's order and delivery of the final product. A small order of a pre-existing item may only have a few hours lead time, but a larger order of custom-made parts may have one of weeks, months or even longer. It all depends on a number of factors, from the time it takes to create the machinery to the speed of the delivery system. It may change according to seasons or holidays or overall demand for the product. • Manufacturers are always looking for ways to improve the lead time on their products. It can mean the difference between making the sale and watching a competitor sign the contract. If a company can deliver the product weeks ahead of the competition, it stands a better chance of receiving future orders. Because of this, management and labor teams routinely hold meetings to discuss timing...

Words: 483 - Pages: 2

Free Essay

Lead in Candy

...Lead in Candy A recent issue that has generated a good deal of controversy is contaminants in children's candy, imported mostly from Mexico. The Orange County Register (OC Register) conducted an investigation and “recommendations emerged from sources during the course of the investigation” (2013). Recommendations include, but are not limited to, train “candy makers” on ways to reduce lead; testing of manufactures and providers of chili, tamarind, and packaging; improve communication by sharing data in-house and with Mexican officials to coerce change of production methods; and publicize the effects of lead on children’s health (and in adults, especially during pregnancy), such as delayed growth, hearing and weight loss, untimely birth, permanent brain damage and even death, for example (UCLA Report, 2009). The OC Register (2013) states that, “some changes have occurred on both sides of the border.” As an example, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) relayed a letter to candy producers saying it will start the process of setting a lower acceptable level of lead in domestic products, and the agency stresses that the new maximum levels are “achievable under good manufacturing practices in the production of candies and candy ingredients” (Food Navigator USA, 2006). In addition, it is important to mention that the number of cases of lead poisoning have dropped dramatically over the last two decades, due largely to both environmental regulations and ongoing...

Words: 351 - Pages: 2

Free Essay

Lead Acid Battery

...Assignment of Applied Chemistry Submitted to: Mam Submitted by: Farwa Jafar Registration no.: 2014-EE-438 University of Engineering and Technology, Lahore(FSD campus) Lead Acid Battery Definition: ‘‘A lead-acid battery is a electrical storage device that uses a reversible chemical reaction to store energy’’. It uses a combination of lead plates or grids and an electrolyte consisting of a diluted sulphuric acid to convert electrical energy into potential chemical energy and back again. The electrolyte of lead-acid batteries is hazardous to your health and may produce burns and other permanent damage if you come into contact with it. Thus, when dealing with electrolyte protect yourself appropriately Lead acid battery diagram Construction: A battery consists of a combination of electro-chemical primitive cells. Cells are the building blocks of which batteries are constructed. A primitive cell normally consists of the following principal components: * a positive electrode (anode) that receives electrons from the external circuit when the cell is discharged, * a negative electrode (cathode) that donates electrons to the external circuit as the cell discharges, * an electrolyte which provides a mechanism for charge...

Words: 1412 - Pages: 6

Free Essay

Lead Poisoning in Children

...Childhood lead poisoning can be the most preventable illness known to babies today and a lead free environment can save their lives. * It is vital for your baby’s well-being for to get a blood test which will reveal any lead poisoning. * Get your home checked for any lead based products so that your baby and family are not exposed to this toxin. * Beware of what purchases you make outside the U.S., which may contain lead and can poison your baby. Childhood lead poisoning can be the most preventable illness known to babies today and a lead free environment can save their lives. * It is vital for your baby’s well-being for to get a blood test which will reveal any lead poisoning. * Get your home checked for any lead based products so that your baby and family are not exposed to this toxin. * Beware of what purchases you make outside the U.S., which may contain lead and can poison your baby. Mona Elshazly References LeadFreeKids.org. (2012) Your Kids: Protect your kids. Retrieved from http://www.leadfreekids.org/my_kids/index.php Mayo Clinic. (2012). Lead poisoning. Retrieved from http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/lead-poisoning Illinois Department of Public Health. (2009). Childhood Lead Poisoning. Retrieved from http://www.idph.state.il.us Millstone, Erik. (1997). Lead and Public Health: The Dangers for children. Earthscan. Fowler, Bruce A. (1993). Measuring Lead Exposure in infants, children, and other sensitive...

Words: 1261 - Pages: 6

Free Essay

Lead in Industry

...Lead has been found in some consumer candies imported from Mexico. Certain candy ingredients such as chili powder and tamarind may be a source of lead exposure. Lead sometimes gets into the candy when processes such as drying, storing, and grinding the ingredients are done improperly. Once lead is absorbed into the bloodstream, some of it is filtered out and excreted, but the rest gets distributed to the liver, brain, kidneys and bones. Lead causes anemia in both children and adults by impairing the formation of oxygen-carrying molecules, beginning at exposures of around 40ug/dl. Lead has been found in some consumer candies imported from Mexico. Certain candy ingredients such as chili powder and tamarind may be a source of lead exposure. Lead sometimes gets into the candy when processes such as drying, storing, and grinding the ingredients are done improperly. Also, lead has been found in the wrappers of some imported candies. The ink of these plastic or paper wrappers may contain lead that leaches into the candy. The allowable levels of lead are that consuming even small amounts of lead can be harmful. There is no safe blood lead level. Lead poisoning from candies can cause illness. The effects of lead on children’s health can have a wide range of effects on a child's development and behavior. Even when exposed to small amounts of lead levels, children may appear inattentive, hyperactive and irritable. Children with greater lead levels may also have problems with learning...

Words: 579 - Pages: 3

Premium Essay

The CDC Lead Poisoning Prevention Program (LAMPP)

...Literature Review Background on Lead Lead is a naturally occurring metal found in small amounts (0.002%) throughout the earth’s surface and deep beneath the ground (National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, 2014; Environmental Protection Agency, 2014; World Health Organization, 2010). It is described as a heavy, low melting, and bluish-gray metal (Agency for Toxic Substances & Disease Registry, 2007). The toxicity of lead has been known ever since Roman times (WHO, 2010), when a Greek physician and poet, Nicander, described it as “gleaming, deadly white lead” (Needleman, 2009, p. 235) and, Dioscorides, a physician of Nero, described “lead makes the mind give away” (Needleman, 2009, p. 235). World Health Organization cites (Eisinger,...

Words: 2164 - Pages: 9

Premium Essay

Lead Poisoning Research Paper

...Lead poisoning can have serious effects on development in children. Because lead is present everywhere in our environment, parents need to be especially diligent to supervise their children when around known lead sources (Graziano 2002). Lead is not only dangerous to youth after birth, but also while still in utero, as it is a teratogen. One case example of this is a pregnant woman who had been shot 15 years prior to pregnancy. A bullet had been lodged in her spine and remained there. The lead from the bullet caused lead poisoning in her and her child (https://www.poison.org/articles/2011-dec/unusual-sources-of-lead-poisoning). Symptoms of lead poisoning can be misleading and only with a blood test can it be determined. However, common symptoms and long-term effects are abdominal pain, sleep problems, headaches, high blood pressure, anemia, and kidney dysfunction. Prolonged exposure can lead to low IQ, problems with hearing, and growth delays. Further, very high toxic doses of lead poisoning could even produce “emergency” symptoms like muscle weakness, seizures, and coma (https://www.healthline.com/health/lead-poisoning#symptoms)....

Words: 395 - Pages: 2