Lead poisoning may be a problem that crosses almost every parent's mind at some point. After all, children are referred to as our most precious asset. They are the future.  Lead has been used in paints but you see less of this now. 

However, there are old houses out there that have lead in their paint.  Children will sometimes eat the lead paint that is peeling off at windows sills, around door frames or near corners in older homes. 

This isn't the only danger in the form of lead that our children, and we as adults, may encounter.  Lead can be found in the dust that we bring into our homes too. It can be in the water as well. 

The EPA has a certain level of lead in mind for water supplies. Anything over 15 PPB is considered hazardous.

I personally use a water filter in my home that filters lead out of my drinking water. I don't really think any lead in my water is desirable.  (Find more information on water filtration at the bottom of this page, under additional resources.)

Lead doesn't have any positive function that I'm aware of in the body. Lead may end up getting stored in our bones, just like calcium.

Many people talk about the harmful effects of lead on the brain and nervous system. An EPA document can be downloaded at the bottom of this page. (Under  additional resources)

The EPA talks about the dangers of lead to growing children which may include, impaired muscle and coordination development and hearing damage.

Lead paint that is in generally good condition is not considered a hazard, but the improper removal of lead paint can create a hazard. 

The dangers of lead are something we should all be aware of.  Not just lead but other heavy metals may also present dangers to human beings as well. 

David Snape manages a website which serves as a resource for health, fitness and well-being: http://ToBeInformed.com . David has been a health enthusiast for years and enjoys writing balanced health articles that reveal both the pros and cons. copyright @ 2004. by Dave Snape

You may freely publish the above article online or in your e-zine so long as the above resource box accompanies the article.  You may not publish it offline without permission.

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