The mud slinging match is on from one country to another
as to who is manufacturing tainted and unsafe products, and
perhaps it is a good thing that these items and foodstuffs
are now coming under ultra- scrutiny raising the awareness
of what toxins we could be bringing into our lives each and
every day.
Lead has long been an issue particularly in the manufacture
of paints and painted objects such as toys. Even well known
and trusted brands such as “Fisher–Price”
have been recalled for lead content in their toys. If this
company has been using lead based paints then one can safely
assume that just about every toy manufactured in China and
other third – world countries could also contain lead.
Not only this, but often is the case when certain products
have been banned in developed countries, they are then dumped
on the markets of third world countries like us! (Yes you
are living in a third world country).
“Nearly 1 Million Fisher-Price Toys Recalled Because
of Lead Paint
Nearly a million Fisher-Price toys have been recalled in the
U.S. from May to August 2007. The toys included popular Sesame
Street and Dora the Explorer characters. All of the toys were
made in China.
Prolonged mouthing of the toys, for hours at a time over several
days, could give kids a significant lead exposure. Chewing
the toys could increase the exposure. Simply touching the
toys is not a problem, as lead cannot be absorbed through
the skin.
If parents don’t get rid of the toys, the problem increases
as the paint on the toys ages and comes off more easily. Do
not burn the toys, as lead fumes can be inhaled.(Excerpts
MSN August 2007)”
What is lead poisoning?
Lead poisoning occurs when you absorb too much lead by breathing
or swallowing a substance with lead in it, such as food, dust,
paint, or water. Too much lead in the body can cause irreversible
problems in growth and development in children, including:
· Behavior problems.
· Hearing problems.
· Learning problems.
· Slowed growth.
In adults, lead poisoning can cause serious health problems,
including high blood pressure and damage to the brain, nervous
system, stomach, and kidneys. Although it is not normal to
have lead in your body, a small amount is present in most
people.
What causes lead poisoning?
Lead poisoning is usually caused by months or years of exposure
to small amounts of lead in the home, work, or day care environment.
It can also happen very quickly with exposure to high concentrations.
The most common source of lead exposure for children is lead-based
paint and dust and soil that are contaminated by it, especially
in older homes and buildings.
Adults are most often exposed to lead in the workplace or
while doing hobbies. Those who work with lead-such as metal
smelters, welders, or pottery makers-are at a higher risk
of lead poisoning.
Other sources of lead exposure include:
· Contaminated air (including industrial emissions),
water, and soil.
· Certain hobbies, such as working with stained glass,
building lead-based models, reloading ammunition, or shooting
at indoor ranges.
· Some alternative medicines and supplements, such
as certain vitamins, and jamu.
· Eating food or juice stored in cans made with lead
or glazed with lead-based glazes.
What are the symptoms?
There may be no noticeable symptoms of lead poisoning because
the effects are subtle or may mimic other conditions. When
lead poisoning levels are severe, some general symptoms can
include digestive problems, fatigue, headaches, and higher
rates of tooth decay. Children with chronic lead poisoning
may show slightly lower intelligence and may be smaller in
size than children their age who do not have lead poisoning.
Behavioral problems can include irritability or aggressiveness,
hyperactivity, learning difficulties, lethargy, and loss of
appetite. In adults, behavioral symptoms can include irritability,
mood and personality changes, changes in sleep patterns, difficulty
concentrating, and memory loss.
At high levels, lead can affect the central nervous system,
leading to poor coordination, weakness in hands and feet,
headaches, and in severe cases, convulsions, paralysis, and
coma.
How is lead poisoning diagnosed?
A lead blood test measures the amount of lead in the blood.
Although this test does not measure the complete level of
lead in the body, it is the best test available at this time.
A urine sample collected over 24 hours and tested for lead
can give an information about the total lead in the body (body
lead burden) and is often used before treatment to remove
lead (chelation therapy) is started. (There are no laboratories
able to provide blood or urine lead analysis in Bali).
Diagnosing lead poisoning is difficult because the symptoms
can be caused by many diseases. Most children with lead poisoning
do not have symptoms until their blood lead levels are very
high. A blood lead test is necessary to identify these children.
How is it treated?
Treatment for lead poisoning includes removing the source
of lead exposure and eating a balanced diet. Adequate nutrition,
especially sufficient iron intake, helps prevent absorption
of lead. Often this treatment approach is enough to reduce
lead levels in the body. If this is not successful or if lead
levels are very high, chelation therapy may be used. Chelation
therapy involves taking medicines that bind to lead in the
body and help speed its elimination through the kidneys. (Chelation
therapy is not available in Bali, however centers in Jakarta
or Singapore would be able to provide this service).
“Kim Patra is a qualified Registered Nurse and Midwife
that has been living and working in Bali for almost twenty
years. She now runs her own private practice and medical referral
service from her Kuta office. Kim is happy to discuss any
health concerns with you and she may be contacted via e-mail
at info@chcbali.com or Hp. 081 2366 0000”.
