Definition and effects
Lead poisoning is a physical condition that occurs when a person swallows, absorbs, or inhales the element lead. The result can be damage to the brain, nerves, and many other parts of the body.
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Lead poisoning can cause:
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Why is lead so dangerous?
- Lead tricks the body into thinking it is a helpful mineral like iron or calcium.
- In the bloodstream, lead damages red blood cells and can make it more difficult for blood cells to transmit oxygen (anemia).
- It can interfere with calcium absorption and weaken bones.
- In more severe cases of lead poisoning, lead travels to the brain and creates "brain blocks" that negatively affect how the brain functions. Sometimes, lead poisoning in the brain is so advanced that a person's IQ will lower, a process that cannot be reversed.
causes of lead poisoning:
The leading cause of lead poisoning is lead paint. Lead paint was not officially banned in the United States until 1978, and many older houses still have lead paint (this holds especially true in third-world countries).
Children in particular are prone to ingesting lead because it has a sweet taste.
FUN FACT: Like children, ancient Romans liked the taste of lead. They used lead as an artificial sweetener in wine...whoops.
FUN FACT: Like children, ancient Romans liked the taste of lead. They used lead as an artificial sweetener in wine...whoops.
Other sources of lead include:
Lead pipes
Imported canned goods
Pottery
Cosmetics
Soil (leaded gasoline)
Bullet wounds
Food that is contaminated (either from soil or production)
*Lead poisoning can also be contracted by unborn babies if their mothers are exposed.
Lead pipes
Imported canned goods
Pottery
Cosmetics
Soil (leaded gasoline)
Bullet wounds
Food that is contaminated (either from soil or production)
*Lead poisoning can also be contracted by unborn babies if their mothers are exposed.
more about lead:
Disability categories
Because lead poisoning can cause such a wide range of problems, the IDEA category under which people who have lead poisoning fall is not always the same. Three of the most common disability categories that people with lead poisoning fall under are:
oTHER HEALTH IMPAIRMENTLead poisoning is listed under the OHI disability category; students usually fall into this category if their particular case of lead poisoning causes physical or health problems (that interfere with learning).
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learning disabilitySevere lead poisoning can cause a lot of trauma to the brain and nervous system if it goes untreated. This type of trauma often causes learning and comprehension difficulty.
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Intellectual DisabilityIn more severe cases of lead poisoning, people's IQs can actually be lowered by lead exposure. If lead causes their IQs to be below average, students with lead poisoning will usually be labeled as intellectually disabled.
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*People with lead poisoning often fall under more than one category at once, so they are usually listed as having multiple disabilities.