Question

What is one of the major consequences of children's exposure to environmental lead? Suggest two methods for reducing such exposure.

Answer 1

Lead is one of the most toxic heavy elements in the environment.Due to its nonbiodegradable nature and continuous use,its concentration accumulates in the environment with increasing hazards.Lead is a highly poisonous metal affecting almost every organ in our body.The toxicity of lead in children is however of a greater impact than in adults.This is because their tissues ,internal as well as external,are softer than in adults.

Young Children (Below 6 years) are voulnerable to lead poisoning which can seviourly affect their mental and physical development.

Higher level exposure to lead may have following consequences,

a) It attacks brain and central nervous system

b) Convulsions

c) Mental retardation and behavioural disorders

d) Developmental delay

e) Lower IQ,Encephalopathy

f) Renal effects and reproductive problems

Two methods of reducing the exposure

1 Develop a healthy Eating habit in children. Food which rich in calcium,iron and Vitamin C are helpful to keep lead out of the body. Develop habit of filtered drinking water .

2 Train children maintaining personal hygiene . Teach children to wash their hand freequently . Clean home regularly ,avoid playing in dirty environment . Avoid exposure to areas with chipping or peeling paint.

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