History of Lead Poisoning
This ancient civilization used lead pipes and cookware.
What is Ancient Rome?
Lead enters the body and builds up in this fluid before reaching organs.
What is the bloodstream?
The most common cause of lead poisoning in children in the U.S.
What is old lead-based paint and paint dust?
Fatigue and weakness are often caused by this blood-related condition.
What is anemia?
This test detects lead exposure before symptoms appear.
What is a blood lead level test?
In the 1700s–1800s, doctors first linked lead exposure to these workers’ neurological symptoms.
Who are painters and miners?
Lead is especially dangerous because it can cross this barrier into the brain.
What is the blood–brain barrier?
Lead can enter drinking water from these aging materials.
What are old lead pipes, solder, or plumbing fixtures?
Numbness and tingling occur due to damage to this system.
What is the nervous system?
Calcium and iron help prevent lead absorption by doing this in the intestines.
What is competing with lead for absorption?
This 1920s invention dramatically increased lead levels in the air.
What is leaded gasoline?
Lead interferes with enzymes needed to make this oxygen-carrying substance.
What is hemoglobin?
Soil near highways or old homes is often contaminated because of this past fuel additive.
What is leaded gasoline?
Lead exposure in children can cause irreversible damage to this developing organ.
What is the brain?
Cleaning surfaces with this method reduces lead dust in homes.
What is wet cleaning with damp cloths?
In this year, the U.S. banned lead-based paint in homes.
What is 1978?
After exposure, lead is stored long-term in these body structures.
What are bones and teeth?
Homes built before this year are more likely to contain lead-based paint.
What is 1978?
High blood pressure and kidney damage are examples of these body-wide effects.
What are systemic effects?
Washing hands and removing shoes are examples of this prevention strategy.
What are hygiene and exposure-reduction practices?
Between 1986 and 1996, laws eliminating this product caused a major drop in blood lead levels.
What is gasoline?
Lead is absorbed easily because the body mistakes it for these two essential minerals.
What are calcium and iron?
Imported products and old infrastructure are examples of these remaining modern lead risks.
What are imported products and aging infrastructure?
This type of nerve damage leads to muscle weakness and poor coordination.
What is peripheral neuropathy?
Early detection protects these three major systems from long-term damage.
What are the nervous system, kidneys, and cardiovascular system?