...Mercury Poisoning 'In that direction,' the Cat said, 'lives a hatter: and in That direction, lives a March Hare. Visit either you like: they're both mad.' (Lewis Carroll, 1865) With those lines the Cheshire Cat in Lewis Carroll’s Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland introduces us to a victim of mercury poisoning. The term mad as a hatter was very common in Carroll’s day because of the use of mercury in the making of hats. Once it was understood that mercury was highly toxic, it was no longer used in the making of hats. The damage had already been done. Hatters would suffer from “hatter’s shakes”, a form of nerve damage with symptoms not unlike Parkinson’s disease. Even today it is still called “Mad Hatters Syndrome”. (Martin, 2012) Hats are now formed and blocked using hot water and steam. (Rand's Custom Hats, 2012) Mercury contamination is still a real threat even though hatters no longer use the metal. The first recorded account of mercury poisoning was in 50 B.C. Today, scientist recognize mercury to be a neurotoxin and that high levels of exposure can lead to serious illness and even death. Since the 1950’s and 60’s, scientific evidence has pointed to mercury or anthropogenic emissions as having widespread impacts on the environment and human health. For instance, in 1956 methylmercury poisoning was officially discovered in a Japanese community near a polyvinyl chloride plastics plant that has been dumping untreated liquid waste containing methyl...
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...Lead poisoning (also known as plumbism, colica Pictonum, saturnism, Devon colic[->0], or painter's colic) is a medical condition caused by increased levels of the heavy metal[->1] lead[->2] in the body. Lead interferes with a variety of body processes and is toxic to many organs and tissues including the heart[->3], bones[->4], intestines[->5], kidneys[->6], and nervous[->7] systems.Symptoms include abdominal pain, confusion[->8], headache, anemia[->9], irritability, and in severe cases seizures[->10], coma[->11], and death[->12]. Routes of exposure to lead include contaminated air, water, soil, food, and consumer Occupational exposure is a common cause of lead poisoning in adults Classically, "lead poisoning" or "lead intoxication" has been defined as exposure to high levels of lead typically associated with severe health effectsLead is a common environmental pollutant.[11] Causes of environmental contamination include industrial use of lead, such as is found in facilities that process lead-acid batteries or produce lead wire or pipes, and metal recycling and foundries.[32] Children living near facilities that process lead, such as smelters, have been found to have unusually high blood lead levels.[33] In August 2009, parents rioted in China after lead poisoning was found in nearly 2000 children[->13] living near zinc and manganese smelters.[34] Lead exposure can occur from contact with lead in air, household dust, soil, water, and commercial products.[9] People can be...
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...Importance of Lead Poisoning * It can cause serious harmful problems effects on the body including: hearing, anemia, peripheral neuropathies, wrist/foot drop, encephalopathy, seizures, coma, and even death. It can also cause children to have lower IQ scores and behavioral issues. * Lead stays within the body for decades, stored within the bones of the human body. * In pregnant women, lead can cross the placental barrier and cause harm to the fetus such as reduced growth and prematurity. Importance of Lead Poisoning * It can cause serious harmful problems effects on the body including: hearing, anemia, peripheral neuropathies, wrist/foot drop, encephalopathy, seizures, coma, and even death. It can also cause children to have lower IQ scores and behavioral issues. * Lead stays within the body for decades, stored within the bones of the human body. * In pregnant women, lead can cross the placental barrier and cause harm to the fetus such as reduced growth and prematurity. Lead Poisoning in Infants Lead Poisoning in Infants Resources Available * Lead-Based Paint Hazard Control Program (Tucson)-Serves low-income families with children under 6 years old. 310 N. Commerce Park Loop, Tucson, AZ 85745 520-791-4171 * Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program-Focuses on food, candies, Mexican folk remedies, and ceramics 150 N. 18th Ave., Ste. 130, Phoenix, Az 85007 602-364-3118 * National Resource * Web-Based Resource ...
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...Question 1: Lead and lead poisoning Lead is a natural metal found in the earth. Lead poisoning can occur if exposure to high levels of lead happens within a short period of time. Lead enters the body via: •Water: About 20% of lead exposure comes through water because water runs through lead pipes connected to our taps. • Air that has been contaminated • Food It enters canned food which were sealed with lead solder. •Soil: lead dust that might have settled on soil and then eaten. Lead poisoning affects more kids than adults. The largest threat to children is lead paint. Whether lead is breathed in or swallowed in, it still causes the same health problems. Problems related to overexposure of lead are, amongst others: • Constant headaches • Pains in the abdomen • Being tired all the time •Constipation • Fatigue •Forgetfulness In extreme cases, lead poisoning can lead to: •brain damage •kidney failure •cancer •seizures Very high levels of lead exposure can also be fatal. Lead is toxic to the nervous system, bones and heart. The symptoms of lead poisoning in children doesnot always show if the child has lead poisoning. It is important for educators to try and prevent lead exposure to children of all ages by putting certain measures in place. For example: •Educate learners of safe drinking habits, eg. Not to drink water from the bathroom taps, to let the tap run a little bit before drinking water, Encourage the drinking of bottled water • Ensure that equipment is well maintained...
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... * Lead is harmful to child’s brain. It affects child’s behavior, development, ability to learn. Little kids are at higher risk for lead poisoning because they like to chew on objects and to put everything in the mouth. * Just a few particles of dust from lead-based paint are enough to poison a child (LeadFreeKids.org 2015) Why is it important? * Lead is harmful to child’s brain. It affects child’s behavior, development, ability to learn. Little kids are at higher risk for lead poisoning because they like to chew on objects and to put everything in the mouth. * Just a few particles of dust from lead-based paint are enough to poison a child (LeadFreeKids.org 2015) LEAD POISONING LEAD POISONING References: McKinney, E. (2005). Maternal-child nursing. St. Louis, Mo.: Elsevier Saunders. California Department of Public Health,. (2007). Simple Steps to protect your Child from Lead. Retrieved 13 December 2015, from https://www.cdph.ca.gov/programs/CLPPB/Documents/CLPPB-SimpleSteps(E).pdf Leadfreekids.org,. (2015). Leadfreekids.org. Retrieved 13 December 2015, from http://www.leadfreekids.org/ Vivier, P. M., Hauptman, M., Weitzen, S. H., Bell, S., Quilliam, D. N., & Logan, J. R. (2011). The important health impact of where a child lives: Neighborhood characteristics and the burden of lead poisoning. Maternal And Child Health Journal, 15(8), 1195-1202. doi:10.1007/s10995-010-0692-6 Dewalt, F. G., Cox, D. C., O'Haver, R., Salatino, B., Holmes...
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...CADMIUM POISONING INTRODUCTION and AETIOLOGY Cadmium (Cd) is a naturally occurring toxic metal; it is a group 2b metal that is found between zinc (Zn) and mercury (Hg) on the periodic table, human exposure to Cd occurs primarily by inhalation or ingestion. Cigarette smoking is one of the main sources of human cadmium exposure as kidney and blood Cd levels are usually higher in the kidneys of smokers than that of non-smokers. Smokers have a four or five times higher blood cadmium concentrations (approximately 1.5 µg/l), and double that of the kidney cortex cadmium concentrations (approximately 20–30 µg/g wet weight) as non smokers (Jarup 2001). Inhalation can occur by reason of of industrial exposure and this is usually as a result of occupational settings for example soldering and welding (Bernhoft 2013). Other sources of cadmium exposure are as a result of exposure to various consumer products such as niCd batteries, television screens, metal coatings, paint, fertilizers and some metal alloys. Diet is the primary cause of Cd exposure and poisoning in non smoking humans. Oral ingestion through Certain plants like rice, wheat and other cereal grains which take cadmium in more readily than they do other heavy metals for example lead and mercury (Satarug 2003). In a study carried out by (Jarup 2001) in Sweden which has high Cd exposure levels; it was found that people with a rich fibre and rice diet had higher levels of blood cadmium concentration. DETECTION OF CADMIUM ...
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...Childhood lead poisoning can be the most preventable illness known to babies today and a lead free environment can save their lives. * It is vital for your baby’s well-being for to get a blood test which will reveal any lead poisoning. * Get your home checked for any lead based products so that your baby and family are not exposed to this toxin. * Beware of what purchases you make outside the U.S., which may contain lead and can poison your baby. Childhood lead poisoning can be the most preventable illness known to babies today and a lead free environment can save their lives. * It is vital for your baby’s well-being for to get a blood test which will reveal any lead poisoning. * Get your home checked for any lead based products so that your baby and family are not exposed to this toxin. * Beware of what purchases you make outside the U.S., which may contain lead and can poison your baby. Mona Elshazly References LeadFreeKids.org. (2012) Your Kids: Protect your kids. Retrieved from http://www.leadfreekids.org/my_kids/index.php Mayo Clinic. (2012). Lead poisoning. Retrieved from http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/lead-poisoning Illinois Department of Public Health. (2009). Childhood Lead Poisoning. Retrieved from http://www.idph.state.il.us Millstone, Erik. (1997). Lead and Public Health: The Dangers for children. Earthscan. Fowler, Bruce A. (1993). Measuring Lead Exposure in infants, children, and other sensitive...
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...Childhood lead poisoning is one of the most common pediatric problems currently in the United States, despite the fact that it’s very preventable. Lead poisoning is a danger because in most cases, it is without symptoms; therefore, it can go undiagnosed and even untreated. In statements published by the CDC in 1985, the threshold for blood lead level was 25 µg/dL, however it was noted that adverse effects occur at levels as low as 10 µg/dL [3]. Since health effects have been noted in levels even lower than 10 µg/dL, there is no set threshold as to what level of lead poisoning can be considered a danger. Therefore, primary prevention utilizes the involvement of pediatric health-care providers, public housing agencies, and public organizations...
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...Lead Toxicity Animals can be exposed to material that contains lead by eating, drinking and inhaling. An item that most commonly is chewed and digested that contains lead is paint chips from older houses or barns. Drinking water from the faucet that has been contaminated with lead and served to the domestic pet. Household pets that use everyday batteries as play toys with licking and chewing. Insecticides can be inhaled by an animal while spraying is being performed. Even if a domestic pet or farm animal gets shot by a lead bullet, the body absorbs the lead concentrate. “Lead is absorbed into the body through the gastrointestinal tract or by inhalation of dust”. (Wismer, 2016). Any animal species can get lead poisoning if they have...
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...Paralytic Shellfish Poisoning refers to a kind of life threatening illness. It is one of the most common types of shellfish poisoning through contaminated seafood such as mussels, oysters, geoduck and scallops which contain harmful toxin to human. Cause: Paralytic Shellfish Poisoning is caused by the in take of contaminated seafood, which, as an example, when algae increase in a huge numbers, it would cause the formation of harmful algal Bloom. Algal blooms happened in marine environments which an algal species reproduces rapidly a large number of algal cells in a short period of time. An Algal Bloom would normally kill aquatic life by blocking the sunlight to the water and or using up all of the oxygen in the water, but a harmful algal bloom would even produces detrimental toxins called saxitoxin. It could cause poison within 30 minutes, faster than most of the others toxins. When the shellfish fed by those multiple, toxic microorganisms, they would pass the toxin though the food chain, and eventually, transfer to human. The Affection of Human Activities: Although harmful algae blooms are not directly caused by human activities, some events like runoff from agricultural fields would lead into algae blooms indirectly. Due to the fact that when wash fertilizers into the water, it can provide nutrient loading that create a favorable conditions for the growth of algae. Other events such as the incidence of The Pacific Ocean, an algal bloom produced due to the rise...
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...Lead poisoning can have serious effects on development in children. Because lead is present everywhere in our environment, parents need to be especially diligent to supervise their children when around known lead sources (Graziano 2002). Lead is not only dangerous to youth after birth, but also while still in utero, as it is a teratogen. One case example of this is a pregnant woman who had been shot 15 years prior to pregnancy. A bullet had been lodged in her spine and remained there. The lead from the bullet caused lead poisoning in her and her child (https://www.poison.org/articles/2011-dec/unusual-sources-of-lead-poisoning). Symptoms of lead poisoning can be misleading and only with a blood test can it be determined. However, common symptoms and long-term effects are abdominal pain, sleep problems, headaches, high blood pressure, anemia, and kidney dysfunction. Prolonged exposure can lead to low IQ, problems with hearing, and growth delays. Further, very high toxic doses of lead poisoning could even produce “emergency” symptoms like muscle weakness, seizures, and coma (https://www.healthline.com/health/lead-poisoning#symptoms)....
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...CASE STUDY 1 – THE CHILDREN WITH LEAD POISONING A physician working for the US Public Health Service moves to Los Angeles to assume the directorship of an inner-city health care facility for the disadvantaged. Over a period of time, she notices that an unusually large number of children brought to clinic are experiencing joint pain, difficulty walking and excessive salivation. Some have had seizures. Also many of their parents note that the children’s personalities have changed, with normally outgoing children becoming shy and withdrawn. The physician decides to investigate the situation and contacts the CDC, which sends an epidemiologist to assist her. They obtain more complete medical histories for 15 children, ranging from 6-15 years of age and perform blood and urine tests on each. In addition to the signs and symptoms already noted, the children frequently report numbness and tingling in their limbs; they perform poorly on hearing, vision and intelligence tests; their lab results how reduced RBC counts and traces of lead in blood and urine. All of these children live in the same housing project, play together in the same neighborhood and contribute a little to the family finances by salvaging scrap metal from a closed manufacturing plant nearby and selling it to recyclers. When the epidemiologist inspects the site, he finds paint peeling from the factory walls and dust on the floor composed in large part of pulverized paint chips. Analysis of the paint chips and dust...
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...the mash because methanol vaporizes at a lower temperature than ethanol. The foreshot also typically contains small amounts of other undesirable compounds such as acetone and various aldehydes. Alcohol concentrations above about 50% alcohol by volume (100 proof) are flammable and therefore dangerous to handle. This is especially true during the distilling process when vaporized alcohol may accumulate in the air to dangerous concentrations if adequate ventilation has not been provided. Mixtures Moonshine has sometimes been mixed with an adulterant (e.g. methanol, lye) with the intent of increasing its apparent alcohol content. This practice has sometimes resulted in a toxic mixture that can cause blindness or death. Although poisoning incidents are rare, particularly in developed nations, they are a cause for concern about the safety of moonshine. Moonshine may be flavored with fruit or bark. The mash may be cooked...
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...SECTION 1. POISONING IN THE EMERGENCY SETTING Definition A poison is any substance which, when taken into the body in sufficient quantity, may either endanger life or seriously impair body functions (IHCD 1999). Introduction Poisons come in many forms and can enter the body in many ways: Inhalation – fumes, gases; Ingestion – liquids or solids by mouth; Injection – needles, animal and insect bites; Absorption – pesticides or herbicides through the skin and eyes. In the field of accident and emergency we see cases of poisoning that are both accidental and intentional. A massive 85% of these cases involve just three types of drug: Paracetamol 45% Benzodiazepines 20% Antidepressants 20% (Daly; Harrison, 2001). As the majority of our cases come from these non-corrosive types of poisons the author will concentrate only on overdoses of drugs, with the second section solely devoted to the most common of these; Paracetamol. Clinical Signs of Poisoning The majority of drugs effect the nervous system and produce some common signs: ▪ Slow, shallow respiration’s ▪ Lethargy and reduction in activity ▪ Vomiting and diarrhoea ▪ Loss of consciousness Some drugs though, such as Paracetamol are asymptomatic during the early stages of poisoning. Although in the majority of cases our treatment in the field for poisoning will be...
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... Lead exposure in children can cause numerous problems in a child’s development and behavior, such as: • Damage to the brain and nervous system • Slowed growth and development (such as delayed puberty) • Learning and behavioral problems • Hearing and speech problems How do children get lead poisoning?...
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