Lead Poisoning: In our Children and our World

Colorless. Odorless. Tasteless. Could be found in sources that are used for human survival... (e.g., soil, water, food, air, dust). One may initially think of carbon monoxide poisoning (which also falls into some of the above mentioned categories), however, this blog will be investigating a specific heavy metal that continues to cause fatalities, yet has almost been long forgotten by many in society: lead poisoning. 

Children are the most susceptible to lead poisoning as well as the elderly. However, there is no known "safe" level of lead exposure in the human body. Lead is a toxic heavy metal and does profound damage to one's nervous system.

OHIO CASES 2014

In 2014, 153,010 children were tested for potential lead poisoning in the state of Ohio. Out of the total number of children tested, many fell within a prevalence rate between 5-10 micrograms per deciliters. 4,596 children were reported having blood lead levels greater than 5ug/dL. 1,298 children were reported having blood lead levels greater than 10 ug/dL. 

One major accomplishment from the Ohio Department of Health was through the network with the Center of Disease Control. The ODH received funds to help assess and provide surveillance for children's lead poisoning cases. Almost $400,000 was received for both 2015 and 2016. 

OHIO POPULATION TESTED

3% of Ohio's population has been tested over 2014. While that number, initially may seem low, consider the number of lead poisonings that remain under reported or not reported at all! Recall that this type of exposure is asymptomatic for a majority of people, while others can have a chronic exposure for decades without knowing what is happening within one's body. 

LEAD POISONING STATISTICS PER COUNTY

I was born and raised in northwestern Ohio within Allen County. My hometown is Lima and I lived in Allen County until I left for college and the Army. After researching the blood lead levels for Allen County, I was shocked to see that some of the highest levels were found in the very city I grew up in. After reflecting on this a while, I then realized that this is not as surprising as initially thought. Lima, OH is home of the 3rd largest oil refinery in the United States. Additionally, it is an industrial city and has many sources of lead that could be found in not only the external environment, but inside old homes as well. 

The statistics below are for Allen County and lead poisoning cases for children within the population:

• blood lead levels found in children greater than 5 micrograms per deciliter= 18.3%-27.3%
• for the following years the predicted percentage of children with blood lead levels greater than 5 micrograms per deciliter= 26.09%

Sources of Lead in the Environment

• occupational sources
• environmental (lead is naturally occurring in the earth's crust)
• water
• soil
• routes of exposure include: inhalation, ingestion

PREVENTIONS FOR LEAD POISONING EXPOSURES

One of the benefits of lead poisoning is the prevention factor of this exposure. Preventing lead poisoning is extremely simple compared to other heavy metal exposures! Different levels of prevention can be illustrated:

• Preventative medicine can be an intervention for those who are already diagnosed
• avoiding exposure to lead in the environment to avoid being poisoned (acute and chronic)
• prevention and advocacy (e.g., educational programs, outreach, macro-level) from a global level to enhance public health's effectiveness within a certain population

If you suspect you or your child may have been exposed to lead, contact your physician immediately and seek treatment.

AAPCC- An Overview of Poison and Toxicity within our Environment

Have you or a loved on ever checked into an ER? The answer is probably a resounding yes. We have all been in a hospital setting in some context. Toxicity and poisoning is no different. Just as bacteria and viruses can attack our immune system and be toxic towards it's host (i.e., us), poisoning has become more prevalent on our sociocultural radar.

Here's just one common example of a product that almost everyone would likely have sitting in their homes right now:

This particular product claims that it is all natural and plant-derived formula which implies it would be less toxic than other comparable surface cleaning agents.

The American Association of Poison Control Centers are enabled to help prevent and treat poison exposures. With 55 locations and open 24 hours a day, just in the past year they have received over 2.8 million phone calls. There phone number, toll-free: 1.800.222.1222, is available for anyone who may suspect they have been exposed, or even just for education on toxic awareness.

This education is conveniently provided by the AAPCC website in the form of their poison alerts. Listed below are some of these current alerts and a brief description of them:

• Hand Sanitizer- these products have become a staple within our culture over the last decade. It has been pressed within our schools, workplaces, and of course the healthcare field. The risk comes from more of our younger population. Go inside any Bath & Body Works, or retail shop, and see all the glitter filled, colorful hand sanitizer bottles and that will illustrate the marketing factor for these products. Alcohol concentrations within hand sanitizers are well over 5-6 times higher than that found in hard liquors. (e.g., 40%-95%)

• Bath Salts- Also known as synthetic cathinones, bath salts have been on the rise since 2012. The AAPCC reports, in the past year alone, they took in 2,697 calls. Out of all the calls, the highest percentile were from individuals in the 20-29 age range. Bath salts illicit hallucinogenic  symptoms as well as delusions, panic attacks, and in some cases seizures. The AAPCC warns that these substances are some of the worst and to contact the poison center if you suspect you have been exposed to these drugs.

• Opioids- Only in the past decade, this ever-growing epidemic of opioid dependency and overdoses has become a profound issue within our society. A majority of the initial exposure occurs from our hospitals and doctor-related prescriptions. The catalyst for this interest often begins from the patient's need for pain relief medication. Narcotics are a subcategory analgesics which reduce the intensity of pain signals reaching the brain. 

• Laundry Detergent Packets- The highest recorded exposures to toxic detergent packets occurred in children under the age of 5. In 2016, there were over 11,500 cases of poison exposure to single-load packets. 

• E-Cigarettes and Liquid Nicotine- Reports from AAPCC shows most exposures from liquid nicotine occur to children under the age of 6 years old. It is recommended that adults with exposure to these substances should take extra caution to protect their skin from contamination.

• Synthetic Cannabinoids- In the past 12 months, the AAPPC reported 2,695 exposures of this drug known as "synthetic marijuana". This illicit drug contains a powerful chemical called cannibimimetics. Many common symptoms to this toxic exposure substance include psychotic episodes, seizures, tremors, vomiting, and suicidal thoughts. One key factor in the rise of synthetic cannabinoids poisonings is due to the marketing. The AAPPC states these substances are created specifically for abuse. 

• Food & Mushroom Poisonings- Food poisoning may be one of the most common, taken-for-granted poisoning from the above list. As humans, we consume food on a daily basis, and often times are not mindful of every single thing we ingest. However, food-borne illnesses occur and are usually severe. The CDC reports an approximate 1 in 6 americans (48 million people) are exposed to some level of food poisoning each year. The symptoms can range from mild to lethal which include: nausea, fevers, abdominal cramps, and dehydration. Left untreated, many succumb to the infection. For more information and resources from the CDC follow the link here.

Seen below here is a common herbal tea company. One wouldn't expect that a product, which claims to be organic and natural, would have any potential toxic substances harmful to humans. 

With an ingredient list of only 2-3 components, herbal teas are one of the healthiest drinks available and often provide several medicinal benefits. But continue to the picture below, from the same box, and look closely at the statements related to the product packaging components.

When drinking our hot tea, many of us probably do not think about the staples or glue within our tea bag. Clearly stated here with Mighty Leaf, the ensure these potentially toxic substances are not used in their products. This is a profoundly encouraging step in the right direction! The more we know. 

CURRENT ANNUAL REPORT

A few highlights from AAPCC's current annual report that bares mention is the fatalities and suicide rates within the nation. In the past decade, there has been a 20% increase in suspected suicides. There is a correlation (whether directly or indirectly) to poison exposure. Other fatalities have been reported caused by various products to include: plants, cosmetics, prescription drugs, accidental overdoses, etc.

• Age & Gender- Females within the age range of 50-59.
• Chronicity- 87.2% were acute, single, repeated, or under 8 hours of exposure
• Reasons for exposure-Unintentional exposure
• Scenarios-unexpectedly took medication multiple times
• Top Substances-Pain relievers, cleaning substances, cosmetics, antipsychotics
• Route of Exposure- ingestion with the 2nd being dermal