DO YOU KNOW LEAD IS EVERYWHERE?
According to a groundbreaking report on lead exposure and its effect from UNICEF, lead poisoning is everywhere,
lead is in many consumer products like water pipes, paint, food cans, spices, cosmetics, and traditional medicines,
also lead can be found in hard–to–see sources such as:
- Water
- Food
- Toys
- Air
According to UNICEF, nearly a third of the world’s children up to 800 million children are affected by lead poisoning
Signs and Symptoms of Lead Poisoning?
The signs and symptoms of Lead Poisoning can vary from one individual to another. It may be mild in some and severe in others,
also, Several body systems may be affected since lead can stay in the body without being excreted.
Children including infants, who are exposed to lead, have a high risk for severe poisoning.
The signs and symptoms of Lead Poisoning may include:
- Headaches, fatigue or weakness
- Sleeping difficulties
- Constipation
- Abdominal pain and cramping of stomach
- Lack of appetite
- Neurological symptoms that include irritability, aggressive behavior, and low response or reflex level
- Low level of red blood cells leading to anemia and associated symptoms
- In case of severe exposure, symptoms such as muscle weakness, vomiting, lack of orientation, staggering, and convulsions may be noted.
- The exposed individual may go into a state of coma
- Women, who have been exposed to lead, may find it difficult to get pregnant.
Furthermore, Chronic exposure to lead, especially in an industrial setting, can result in severe symptoms and multi-organ complications.
First Aid tips for Lead Poisoning:
- Carefully remove the individual from the exposure area; move them to region of fresh air immediately
- Confirm that the airways are protected;
- also, ensure breathing and the presence of pulse, If exposure of the skin has occurred, then wash thoroughly with copious amounts of water.
- Take individual to emergency room (ER) for further treatment
How to prevent Lead Poisoning :
- Identifying all sources of lead and taking recommended/suitable measures to contain or prevent any exposure from them
- Taking measures to prevent Lead Poisoning if you stay in old houses that contain lead water pipes, lead-based paints and paintings, etc.
- Using suitable water filters, if drinking or cooking water contains lead; else, finding clean alternative water sources
- Properly dispose old decorative artwork with lead composition,
- Avoiding storing water or wine in old lead vessels and pitchers
- Avoid tinned food products that are stored in lead compound containers.
- Washing hands before eating food
- Keeping any poisonous/hazardous chemicals and other materials out of children’s reach
- Keep all poisons correctly labeled and in suitable storage locations
- Using appropriate protective wear when working with such chemicals (such as face masks and hand gloves)
- Those who work in industries using lead should be aware of and comply with safe industrial practices
- Working in well-ventilated spaces, when risk of exposure to lead dust is present
- Being aware of basic first aid steps in case of an emergency (such as inadvertent poisoning)
because of our Adequate measures adapted to prevent toxicity spread during our exploration exercise, Wasia African Mining Co. was certified by the federal ministry of environment. read more
