A new report suggests that exposure to old or recycled electronics can increase the risk of children from lead poisoning.
Although lead poisoning cases are rare compared to other illnesses that commonly hits children, it is a serious problem. Superintendent Bill Webster shared that among the challenges Lewiston students struggle with are difficulty in maintaining their attention for a length of time, low cognitive skills and other issues, which is likely due to lead poisoning, according to Sun Journal.
In Ohio, two toddlers were diagnosed with lead poisoning, and the culprit is their father, a Cincinnati pediatrician confirmed. Dr. Nick Newman, director of the Environmental Health and Lead Clinic at Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, said in a hospital news release, that the toddlers were victim of "take-home" lead exposure, U.S. News reported.
The toddlers' dad was employed at an e-scrap recycling company, where his job required him to break cathode ray tubes, a main component of old televisions and computer monitors, which are made from leaded glass.
According to the report, "take-home" lead exposure occurs when toxins in the workplace are transmitted on the employees' body parts, clothes, etc. Incidentally, the report stated that the dad did not use protective gear during work, and often had visible dust on his hair when he goes home, which the children touched.
Under a routine screening, it was revealed that the toodlers had their blood levels over the threshold of five micrograms per deciliter for lead poisoning treatment. After the father learned that he was the cause of the poisoning, he resigned, and after three months, the toddlers' lead blood levels, though still at an "undesirable level," significantly decreased.
Lead has numerous effects to the developing nervous system, which include hyperactivity, attention and behavioral problems as well as difficulty in learning, the report claims.
Dr. Douglas Smith, the school physician from Lewiston and Auburn, added, "While mild in some cases, lead poisoning can have devastating consequences on a child's development, physical, emotional, educational and otherwise," Sun Journal has learned.
What should parents do to avoid such incident?
U.S. News suggests parents that while at work, it's best to avoid transporting toxic materials. Before heading home, parents should change their clothes and shoes as well as take a shower. Work clothes must also only be washed at work.
The report also notes that storing extra clothes and shoes in a separate room decreases the possibility of contamination.
Newman is encouraging pediatricians to inquire about parents' occupations and hobbies to avoid "take-home" lead exposure.
