Illegal mining has brought about lead poisoning in the African nation of Nigeria. According to US News, 28 kids were killed after it spread in the region. Health officials in the country cited in the report revealed that multiple people are still receiving treatments from a previous lead poisoning epidemic.
Get to know the facts, symptoms and treatments for the deadly epidemic. Protect yourself from getting such disease as early as possible.
What you should know
As defined by Mayo Clinic, the following are the pertinent fast facts about lead poisoning:
- The disease develops in the body when lead content spreads in it. Usually, lead content spreads all over the body in a span of months or years.
- Minor lead poisoning disorder or minimal amounts of lead are culprits of severe health conditions.
- Kids below 6 years old are at high risk for developing lead poisoning disorder.
- Lead poisoning can cause impairment in physical and mental developments.
- High content of lead in the body can cause death.
Symptoms
As suggested on a Mayo Clinic online content, see your doctor immediately when you observe these symptoms:
- Developmental delay
- Learning impairments
- Irritability
- Appetite loss
- Weight loss
- Fatigue and exhaustion
- Abdominal pain
- Vomiting
- Constipation
- Hearing loss
Lead poisoning is likely the culprit for any one or more of these symptoms. Infants who have had exposure to lead before they were born will likely exhibit learning and development impairments.
Other lead poisoning symptoms worthy to take note of are:
- Increased blood pressure
- Abdominal pain
- Constipation
- Painful joints
- Muscle pain
- Mental ability decline
- Pain, numbness or extremity tingling
- Headache
- Loss of memory
- Mood disorders
- Poor fertile ability
- Miscarriage or premature child birth
Causes
Paint lead
Mayo Clinic also warned that lead from paint produce toxic elements that eventually harm the lungs and respiratory system. Down the line, these toxins damage the body's healthy cells.
Water pipes and imported canned goods
Artificial ingredients in canned food and water pipes contain incidental toxic elements. To maximize safety, go for freshly produced and cooked foods only.
Some Toys, Cosmetics
Some toys and cosmetics contain harmful lead content. Always buy products from trusted manufacturers and read labels.
Treatments
As indicated on Mayoclinic.org, these medicinal remedies relieve lead poisoning symptoms:
Greta or azarcon
Coral calcium and sea coral treatments famously relieve stomach aches, constipation, diarrhea and vomiting.
Litargirio
This deodorant's scent relieves nausea and soothes headache.
Ba-baw-san
A Chinese herbal treatment that relieves colic symptoms in infants.
Ghasard
Ghasard is an Indian tonic remedy.
Daw tway
Daw tway contains high content lead and arsenic remedies.
Don't be a victim of lead poisoning. Having the right knowledge and resources is the key to preventing an outbreak of a lead poisoning epidemic.
