Summary:
Exposure to lead being toxic was considered to be a problem of the past. But despite the U.S removing lead from gasoline in 1976 and banning lead pain in 1978, ongoing tests show that the average concentration has decreased, but they continue to be of high magnitude by two than the natural human levels. Even more problematic is that the exposure levels that the EPA and other health departments have deemed acceptable in the bloodstream (today averages at 1.3 micrograms per deciliter), can be much higher for many individuals. Excessive lead exposure correlates with a hose of ills, including impaired cognition, ADD, psychiatric disorders, and increased blood pressure, hypertension, and arrhythmia. It is also increasingly implicated in dementia in the elderly. The ramifications of lead exposure has cost the U.S about 209 billion dollars a year; the bill including everything from direct medical costs to a heightened need for special education classes and incarcerations for violent crime, all of which are the results to higher lead exposure. But this is not to be confused with lead poisoning, this level has decreased in many countries. This condition is caused by acute exposure at high concentrations, which can occur through eating lead pain chips. Lead is still present in our environment as well as in our drinking water; and because of its necessity factor in the environment, it is staying. But many steps can be taken to reduce lead levels for exposure. Such as tougher emission laws; removal of old lead paint and pipes; higher tax imposed on products containing lead; and lead in ammunition and fishing weights can be replaced. Because scientists' have figured out a way to reduce lead poisoning, they now much start thinking about the problem as a large number of people who have a chronic exposure rather than a small number of people who have an acute exposure.
Exposure to lead being toxic was considered to be a problem of the past. But despite the U.S removing lead from gasoline in 1976 and banning lead pain in 1978, ongoing tests show that the average concentration has decreased, but they continue to be of high magnitude by two than the natural human levels. Even more problematic is that the exposure levels that the EPA and other health departments have deemed acceptable in the bloodstream (today averages at 1.3 micrograms per deciliter), can be much higher for many individuals. Excessive lead exposure correlates with a hose of ills, including impaired cognition, ADD, psychiatric disorders, and increased blood pressure, hypertension, and arrhythmia. It is also increasingly implicated in dementia in the elderly. The ramifications of lead exposure has cost the U.S about 209 billion dollars a year; the bill including everything from direct medical costs to a heightened need for special education classes and incarcerations for violent crime, all of which are the results to higher lead exposure. But this is not to be confused with lead poisoning, this level has decreased in many countries. This condition is caused by acute exposure at high concentrations, which can occur through eating lead pain chips. Lead is still present in our environment as well as in our drinking water; and because of its necessity factor in the environment, it is staying. But many steps can be taken to reduce lead levels for exposure. Such as tougher emission laws; removal of old lead paint and pipes; higher tax imposed on products containing lead; and lead in ammunition and fishing weights can be replaced. Because scientists' have figured out a way to reduce lead poisoning, they now much start thinking about the problem as a large number of people who have a chronic exposure rather than a small number of people who have an acute exposure.
Reflection:
I think that these studies on lead exposure and how they reveal that we all are still exposed to them are pretty mind blowing. A few years ago, it was safe to say that lead exposure was no longer a problem, but now studies prevalent today are exposing proof of otherwise. I think one of my fears is myself or even someone I know having dementia, because of someones ability to lose their knowledge. One day they can be fine, and the next they can forget how to use a spoon and their brain is shrinking. That is pretty terrifying if you ask me. I think it is really cool to know that the rate at which people are being poisoned through lead is declining, which shows that a lot of old tenant buildings are being remodeled to not include the old paint used almost 50 years ago. I think the steps to be taken to reduce such lead levels in the environment, because as said in the article it is an essential for the environment in some way or another, should be taken to reduce our exposure to the lead. Because even though it is needed for the environment, does not mean that we should be exposed to it, especially because of its detrimental effect to our body.
I think that these studies on lead exposure and how they reveal that we all are still exposed to them are pretty mind blowing. A few years ago, it was safe to say that lead exposure was no longer a problem, but now studies prevalent today are exposing proof of otherwise. I think one of my fears is myself or even someone I know having dementia, because of someones ability to lose their knowledge. One day they can be fine, and the next they can forget how to use a spoon and their brain is shrinking. That is pretty terrifying if you ask me. I think it is really cool to know that the rate at which people are being poisoned through lead is declining, which shows that a lot of old tenant buildings are being remodeled to not include the old paint used almost 50 years ago. I think the steps to be taken to reduce such lead levels in the environment, because as said in the article it is an essential for the environment in some way or another, should be taken to reduce our exposure to the lead. Because even though it is needed for the environment, does not mean that we should be exposed to it, especially because of its detrimental effect to our body.