Effects on human health due to lead contamination of air and water
Leading a leaded life
All sections of the population are at risk of exposure, however, most cases of lead poisoning go undetected because at lower but still harmful levels only a small per centage who suffer from lead poisoning display obvious symptoms. Except at very high levels, lead poisoning is difficult to diagnose without a blood lead test.
Children under the age of six years are most susceptible to the harmful effects of lead because their neurological systems are still developing. At even low levels lead poisoning in children causes reduction of Intelligence Quotient points, shortened attention span, hyperactivity, aggressive behaviour, reading disabilities, and other learning and behavioural problems. These effects may be irreversible. Other effects include reduced growth, hearing loss, and low birth weight. Very high lead exposures can cause mental retardation, coma, convulsions, and death. Adverse effects in adults include high blood pressure; nerve, liver and kidney damage; and impaired fertility. Increased lead content in blood is of particular concern for pregnant women and women of childbearing age. In addition, lead absorbed during childhood and stored in the bones can be released back into the blood during pregnancy, harming the developing foetus as well as the mother. 12jav.net12jav.net
We are a voice to you; you have been a support to us. Together we build journalism that is independent, credible and fearless. You can further help us by making a donation. This will mean a lot for our ability to bring you news, perspectives and analysis from the ground so that we can make change together.
Comments are moderated and will be published only after the site moderator’s approval. Please use a genuine email ID and provide your name. Selected comments may also be used in the ‘Letters’ section of the Down To Earth print edition.