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Chemistry Lead Poisoning

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Submitted By yelorice
Words 566
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Topic/Question: What is lead poisoning and the effects of it on humans?
Lead Poisoning
Lead is a highly common element with an atomic number of 82. It is very soft which makes it very malleable. It is also a weak conductor for electricity. Lead is naturally found in soil and is quite poisonous. During the 1920’s and 2000, tons of millions of lead were mined and were enormous during the 20th century.
Lead was normally used as a resource in items until the 1970’s. This hazardous material was commonly found in inexpensive children toys and jewelry, window blinds (the continuous exposure of UV rays caused the blinds to degrade), pipes, bullets, and was used in radioactive situations (radiation suits/x-rays). It is also found in drinking water: the pipes overtime corrode causing it to enter into the water. The most common source was from paint; specifically old paint. Lead had the ability to enhance the quality of it which made it able to last longer and cover the surface it was upon better. However, in 1978 the government banned the use of lead paint. Numerous houses and toys before this probably contained lead-based paint. This was very problematic because when paint chips or turns into dust, it floats in the air which can be harmful when it gets into your system. This is also known as lead poisoning.
When lead is inhaled or swallowed it is very hazardous and poisonous. Once inside the body it is circulated throughout the body like many minerals such as calcium, zinc, and iron. Lead is like pollution, it causes harm wherever it goes in your body. Lead damages red blood cells causing them to transmit less oxygen to organs and the tissues around it. This can cause anemia. Although lead flows throughout the body, it is mostly found in the bones; this is even worse. Lead hinders with the making of blood cells and it absorbs the calcium. Calcium is one of the most imperative minerals for your body because it gives the body its skeletal structure including teeth and bones. For a small amount in the body, also known as acute poisoning, general symptoms may include seizures, coma, sickness/vomiting, abdominal pain, failing in the limbs, and even diarrhea. After a lengthy occurrence of being exposed to lead it can decrease the bone and muscle growth, deprived muscle coordination, harm the nervous system, cause talking and speech problems, and also cause a delay in development. If exposed to excessively high amounts, it can cause seizures. Lead poisoning is mainly harmful to little children and fetuses in development (miscarriage).
Lead can stay in your body for years. It can also roam from one place to other affecting different parts. Children are more vulnerable than adults are because they are still developing and they obtain more lead than they do, and their brain and nervous system are more receptive to the destructive effects. Often toddlers or babies play with their toys which then they stick into their mouths. Their toys often contain lead-paint. One of every six children has a high amount of lead poisoning. Adults can also be receptive to this if their job or hobby contains lead in their environment. The higher level of lead in your body, the longer the affects of lead poisoning will last. This can cause behavioral and learning problems.

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