Heavy Metals




It is incredible to realize how overtly toxic lead is to the human body. It causes havoc in a variety of physiological ways including binding to enzymes and distorting their functions, inhibiting Ca2+ ions from entering the cell, and crossing the blood brain barrier and interferes with myelin formation resulting in diffuse neurological dysfunction.

Studies have indicated that kids exposed to lead experience long lasting negative effects that include, having a hard time in school, lower reading levels, fine motor difficulty, and lower grades. Other studies show that lead poisoning increases the risk for kids to have aggressive behaviors, attention deficits, and lower IQ.

Lead can be stored in the bones, replacing calcium. During pregnancy, women with previous lead exposures leach lead from their bones and passed it on to their developing fetuses. The fetuses are then exposed to lead during fetal development and are born with lead exposure and it’s toxic effects.

The Nigerian case study is another sad example of how lack of regulation can have catastrophic effects. In this case, more than 400 children under the age of 5 were killed by lead toxicity due to unregulated gold mining and processing. This case study is an unfortunate reminder that regulation works to keep people safe and healthy. This case study should be shared with all those who chant for deregulation of the EPA policies that keep industry in check.


Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Diaster Prepardness

Image
With the extremely poor air quality last week, being prepared for the next natural hazard seems obvious. The city of Mill Valley where I live is engaging in creating a resilient community. Mill Valley fire department is helping neighborhoods become FireWise by educating individual home owners and the collective neighborhood on ways to reduce the risk of fire. FireWise is a fire risk reduction program from the National Fire Protection Association. The fire department chief has visited each neighborhood to hold meetings on this topic. Once a neighborhood has implemented the recommendations that include removing certain brush and debris, cutting back on trees, and eliminating all flammable chemicals, it is certified as FireWise by the fire department. With each additional neighborhood contributing to the FireWise program, the overall Mill Valley community becomes safer and more resilient. As a registered nurse, I am a volunteer for the Disaster Healthcare Volunteers. In the case of a
Read more

Air pollution

Image
Here’s a super brief introduction to air pollution. Simply put, air pollution are chemicals that we inhale that cause negative health effects. Some air pollutants are naturally sourced chemicals like those created from fires, while others result from man-made industrial sites or vehicles. Examples of air pollutants include volatile organic compounds (VOCs,) carbon monoxide (CO), nitrogen oxides NO x , sulfur dioxide SO 2 , particulate matter (PM), and lead (Pb). Unfortunately, these chemicals can create secondary chemicals in the atmosphere resulting in nitric or sulfuric acid rain. Air quality is regulated by government in hopes of keeping us safe. The Clean Air Act set restrictions on the amounts of VOCs, CO, NO x , SO 2 , PM, and Pb that was allowed to be released into the atmosphere. I live in Marin county, the land of environmentally conscious people and the land without any industry produced air pollutants. For a county that prides itself in healthy living, the air q
Read more

Environmental Health Home Assessment

Image
It is easy to passively live in our homes without consideration of potential environmental toxins. After completing this assessment, I am grateful that I do not have a high risk of environmental exposures in my home. While I do have emergency disaster supplies, this list is a reminder that I need to update those supplies.  After listening to the TED talk from Arlene Blum about flame retardants, I am devoted to checking all of furniture and bedding for toxic chemicals. In addition, I will be going through all of my children's toys to check for toxic plastic chemicals.  Comment on other blogs: Monica: It is crazy to stop and think about the possible toxic products in your home. Candles seem so harmless, and so do fragrances. I agree. Franny: I agree that this exercise makes you stop and think about what things in our homes can possible make us sick. 
Read more