Information for Native Americans: Check for Lead, Save a Life!

Many are unaware of the harmful effects of exposure to lead poisoning. Native Americans are among those who may be unaware that lead poisoning can potentially harm them and their families. Lead poisoning occurs when there is a build up of lead in the body. This buildup is usually caused by lead being consumed or inhaled unknowingly. Lead poisoning can have very serious effects and at times even be fatal. Children, especially those living among poverty or in old houses, are among the most susceptible to lead poisoning. However, adults can be affected too.

What are the effects of lead poisoning?

According to Mayo Clinic, the effects of lead poisoning in children include:

• Disruption of mental and physical development
• Weight loss
• Constipation
• Irritability

The effects of lead poisoning in adults include:

• Headaches
• Muscular weakness
• Memory loss
• Mood disorders
• Cause women to have miscarriages or premature births
• Lead to damage in the reproductive organs of males.

In both children and adults the effects of lead poisoning also include:

• Damage to the kidneys and nervous system
• Seizures
• Anemia

Where can lead be found?

• Contaminated soil
• Containated water
• Lead based paint
• Some pipes
• Household dust
• Some toys
• Some types of cosmetics

Although the use of lead based paint has been banned in the United States since 1978, many homes and buildings still have this type of paint on the walls. Lead can be found in household dust if the house was painted with lead based paint. Lead may be able to be found in toys, which parents should check for and be aware of.

Additional Information

According to the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services, lead poisoning is a very common and preventable environmental problem.

• Missouri blood lead testing data of 2008 shows that more than 1,000 children under six years old in Missouri were identified with having high levels of lead in their bodies.
• According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) about 250,000 U.S. children aged 1-5 have lead blood levels that are at unhealthy and dangerous levels

Where can I go to get financial help to inform others?

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) developed The Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) to control and eliminate lead poisoning. This act authorizes the EPA to give funds to Federally-recognized Indian Tribes and tribal consortia to aid in the elimination of the existence of lead poisoning. The money given helps the Tribes to:

• Inform tribal community members of the dangers associated with lead poisoning
• To conduct evaluations of tribal homes built prior to 1978 to test for lead in the paint
• To conduct evaluations of child facility centers built prior to 1978 for lead in the paint
• Pay for the screening of lead poisoning in children.

How can I protect myself from lead poisoning?

• Have a professional check your home and soil for lead
• Be sure that your children wash their hands after playing outside
• If your house contains lead pipes, you should let the water run for at least a minute before using it
• Check the toys for lead before buying them
• Check cosmetics before use for lead

Sources

• "Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention." Department of Health and Senior Services. (n.d.). Retrieved September 26, 2009 from http://www.dhss.mo.gov/ChildhoodLead/
• "EPA Grants Helping to Eliminate Childhood Lead Poisoning in Indian Country." Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). 2009. Retrieved September 27, 2009 from http://www.epa.gov/region09/toxic/lead/lead-child-indiancountry/
• "Lead." Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). 2009. Retrieved September 26, 2009 from http://www.cdc.gov/nceh/lead/
• "Lead Poisoning." Mayo Clinic. 2009. Retrieved September 27, 2009 from http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/lead-poisoning/FL00068