Press Releases at EMSL

Although exposure to lead can be dangerous for people of all ages, it is particularly harmful to the developing brain and nervous system of young children. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that at least 4 million households in the United States have children living in them that are being exposed to high levels of lead. This is alarming as lead exposure can affect nearly every system in the body and no safe blood lead level in children has been identified.  

Exposure to lead often occurs with no obvious symptoms, so it can easily go unnoticed or be attributed to other conditions by parents and healthcare providers. To help identify cases of lead poisoning, the Oregon Health Authority provides the following list of possible signs and symptoms of lead poisoning in children. They include:

• Tiredness or loss of energy
• Hyperactivity
• Irritability or crankiness
• Reduced attention span
• Poor appetite
• Weight loss
• Trouble sleeping
• Constipation
• Aches or pains in the child’s stomach

 

“Since exposure to lead can severely impact a child’s physical and mental development, preventing exposure before it occurs is essential,” said Joe Frasca, Senior Vice President, Marketing at EMSL Analytical, Inc. “The two primary ways children are exposed to lead include ingestion and inhalation. A major source of exposure comes from lead-based paints that were used up until the late 1970s. Drinking water is another potential source as lead was used in the past in some household plumbing fixtures and even water service lines. Lead may also be present in contaminated soils and has been found over the years in some toy jewelry and folk medicines.”  

Fortunately, lead testing identifies exposure risks to protect children. EMSL provides comprehensive testing services for dust, bulk and water samples.  They even offer a Lead in Paint & Dust Test Kit and a Drinking Water Test Kit that can be found at www.EMSLTestKits.com.  EMSL also recently sponsored an online video about possible signs and symptoms of lead poisoning in children that can be seen at https://youtu.be/Hu1NEWaOISo.  

To learn more about lead or other indoor air quality, environmental, health and safety testing services, please visit www.EMSL.com, call (800) 220-3675 or email info@EMSL.com.

EMSL Analytical is a nationally recognized and locally focused provider of environmental, indoor air quality, consumer product and materials testing services and products for professionals and the general public.  The company has an extensive list of accreditations from leading organizations as well as state and federal regulating bodies.