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BABY AND CHILDHOOD NERVOUS SYSTEM AND MUSCLE DISORDERS: LEAD POISONING
In recent years more and more is being heard about the risks and dangers of lead poisoning in children. This used to occur most commonly when children picked off and ate peeling paint from old houses which had been painted with lead-based paints. But as fewer and fewer of these places now exist (lead-free paint being universally used in this country), attention has swung to lead pollution of the atmosphere. Most of this comes from leaded petrol, and large quantities of lead may occur in the atmosphere. Children readily inhale this, and it is quickly absorbed in their system. Over a period of time it may initiate lead poisoning which can affect the brain. Governmental action in many countries is at present aimed at stopping the sale of leaded petrol. The ingestion of lead from various other sources is also possible.
Symptoms usually come on insiduously. There may be irritability, muscle weakness, loss of weight and vomiting. Personality changes may occur, plus constipation, headaches, and tummy pains. Sometimes the gums show a tell-tale 'lead line'. If it progresses, convulsions may take place.
Special tests are available to measure the lead content of the blood. Treatment by doctors with a good knowledge of this specialized problem is necessary, and this will most probably take place in a large public hospital equipped with all the necessary facilities for investigation and therapy. Ideally, after treatment the child should be protected as much as possible from further lead exposure. More and more concern is being expressed by doctors today on the long-term mental hazards of chronic lead exposure in the atmosphere.
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General Health
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