Question

Results of the blood test revealed that 262 children had blood lead levels ≥5 μg/dL while 587 had blood lead levels <5 μg/dL. Among children with blood lead levels ≥5 μg/dL, 210 drank tap water exclusively, 124 ate 4 or more servings of root vegetables, and 200 were exposed to pesticides in the home. Among children with blood lead levels <5 μg/dL, 179 drank tap water exclusively, 254 ate 4 or more servings of root vegetables, and 237 were exposed to pesticides in the home.

Based on what is known, what is the source of the lead poisoning? What can be said about the risk of lead poisoning associated with each of these factors?

Answer 1

ANSWER :

1)The main source of lead poisoning is drinking tap water because children who drank tap water exclusively got high levels of lead in their blood.

2)Risk of lead poisoning associated with this factors :

▪︎Drinking tap water :

• Major cause of lead poisoning.
• When acidic water passes through pipes and fixtures made up of lead , this water breaks the lead in pipes easily and water gets contaminated with lead, causing lead poisoning.

▪︎Root vegetables :

• Root vegetables take very little lead into their stems and leaves from the lead contaminated soil.
• Plants generally don't absorb lead into their tissues , so vegetables get contaminated only when lead gets settled on the vegetables and fruits.
• So, when vegetables are not washed or cooked properly chances of leas poisoning will be more.

▪︎Pesticides :

• Pesticides made of lead and arsenic were almost banned in 1950's.
• So , exposure to pesticides has very less risk of lead poisoning.