The New Straits Times, November 21, 1997
Q: Why was there concern about lead exposure among children in Penang recently? How does it affect health and what precautions can be taken to protect children from lead poisoning?
A: The study being conducted by a non-governmental body in Jelutong is pioneering work to determine the level of lead exposure among children in Malaysia.
In developed economies such as Britain and the US, extensive research has shown that children are most vulnerable to lead intoxication as they tend to absorb more lead than adults.
Children exposed to lead can suffer damage to the brain and nervous system that may cause behaviour and learning problems although the level may not be considered toxic.
There is now evidence that lead is harmful at blood levels once thought safe previously. Studies have shown that groups of children with high lead levels are likely to have lower IQ scores, slower development and more attention-deficit problems than children with lower lead levels.
Unborn children can also be exposed to lead through their mothers. Harmful effects through this maternal transfer include premature birth, smaller babies, decreased mental ability in the infant, learning difficulties and reduced growth.
In adults, lead can also cause health problems: difficulties in pregnancy, reproductive problems in men and women, high blood pressure, digestive problems, nerve disorders, memory and concentration problems and muscle and joint pain.
Lead has no biological value for humans even in trace amounts. It displaces other metals from the normal binding sites to produce some of its biochemical changes.
When introduced into the body either by ingestion or inhalation, lead pigments are separated and the body is fooled into accepting them as normal useful elements such as calcium and iron.
Pathways for the ingestion of lead by children include the habit of putting their hands or other objects covered with lead dust into their mouths, eating paint chips or soil that contains lead, breathing in lead dust (especially during renovation that disturbs surfaces with lead-based paint), and playing in lead- contaminated areas. Lead can also be brought back from the parent's workplace such as battery plants.
Precautions to protect include:
- Washing their hands and faces before they eat.
- Washing toys and pacifiers frequently.
- Do not vacuum hard surfaces as this is believed to scatter dust. Use a wet mop and wipe instead.
- Keep children away from peeling or chipping paint and chewable surfaces painted with lead-based paint;
- Avoid burning painted wood or furniture as they may contain lead.
- Make sure your child eats regular nutritious meals since more lead is absorbed on an empty stomach.
- Make sure the diet contains plenty of iron and calcium.
- Do not store food in open cans, especially soldered cans.
- Do not store or serve food in pottery that is meant for decorative purposes.
- Follow label directions on any ornamental products with warmings such as Not for Food Use - Plate May Poison Food. For Decorative Purposes Only.
- Contribution from the National Poison Centre.
