Lead is a metal element that has the atomic number of 82. Its symbol came from the Latin word for waterworks, plumbum.

Lead is naturally found of the earth’s crust in small quantity and comes within an ore together with silver, zinc or copper. Due to its abundance and malleability, Lead has been used in many household and industrial materials such as paint, ceramics, cosmetics, gasoline, batteries, pipes and solders.

Due to its toxicity (no amount if it is safe), federal and state regulators have been doing campaigns to minimize or fully eliminate its use with consumer, household and occupational products since the 1980s.

Despite of these campaigns, lead exposure is still proliferate nowadays as this exposure can be acquired from contaminated soil, lead- based paints for homes, household dust, lead- glazed pottery and lead crystal.

Lead exposures of children can cause lower IQ, lower activity in cognitive measures, delayed puberty, decreased hearing, decreased academic achievement, effect on attention- related and problem behaviors. As for adults, lead exposures can cause reduced fetal growth for pregnant women, decreased kidney function, higher risk of hypertension, cataracts, nerve disorder and muscle or joint problems.

Children below 6 years old that has higher tendency of putting lead-contaminated toys into their mouths are at most risk of lead exposure. It usually occurs to children living in old housings and on below poverty line.

Lead exposures can be prevented by taking pre- cautionary measures. One can inquire if their home or the day care facility that their children is attending in was built before 1978. Constructions prior to that year used lead- containing materials. You can also prevent children’s lead exposure by keeping them away from peeling or chewable lead-based paints. Wipe floors and windows using wet mops to get rid of potentially leaded dust and regularly wash the children’s hands and toys.