Lead poisoning in Baltimore city



Lead poisoning in Baltimore city

Introduction

Lead is a sort of burly poison that is if taken or inhaled by a person can result into serious health issues as this poison combines with blood and circulate in the body. This kind of poison is observed to be found in gas and house paints in USA. Research has shown that children are more likely to get affected by it in case of residing in older houses. The lead factor has been considerably reduced in gas or house paints however, it is still available in dirt, dust, toys, and it cannot be seen nor has a taste or ordure. The lead poisoning may result into a number of complicated health situations like that of behavior or attention issues, failure to perform well at school, issues to hear appropriately, damage to kidney, reduction in IQ level, gradual growth rate of body. The possible and observed symptoms of lead poisoning include pain in abdomen, cramps in abdomen, lack of blood level, rigid behavior, constipation, lack of sleep, irritation, headache, lack of energy, reduction in sensation, vomit, and weakened muscles (Zieve, D., et al, 2011).

Discussion

Lead Poisoning is found to be very common in children in the city of Baltimore. It is considered as one of the major issues to health in USA for children. It may become as one of the cause of mental disturbance and other serious disabilities. However, the utilization of paints containing lead is banned from USA since 1978 but it still covers the walls and windows of many older homes. If lead poisoning is diagnosed and treated early, irreversible damage can be averted. But often, children who suffer from lead poisoning leave the hospital, return to contaminated homes, and then return to the hospital in Baltimore city (Baltimore program ends lead poisoning at its source, 1995).

Lead poisoning is considered as the number one environmental issue and health problem to young children. It is evident that population in certain location have a high tendency of risk to lead poisoning. The significance of prevention of this disease can be understood by its effect on development of child as it decreases the blood level (Mitra, K. A. et al., 2012).

Due to massive prevention measures taken against lead poisoning in the city of Baltimore, research and records of Children Lead Registry of the Maryland Department of the Environment has shown that the overall prevalence of lead has decreased significantly in the city. As per the results from the year 1999 to 2004, the children below age six witnessed a decrease by 62% in the disease possessing lead level of 20 or above and similarly children possessing lead level of 15 and above witnessed a decrease of 65%, and children with lead level of 10 or above witnessed a decrease of 60%. As per report, two third i.e. 69% of lead poisoning incidents occur in rented homes in 2005 and the statistics for owned homes has increased from 10% to 25% in 1999 ...