High lead levels cause decreased vitamin D hemoglobin synthesis and anemia, and acute central nervous system disorders, irreversible neurological damage, and possible death especially in children (CDC,2019). The exposure to lead-based paint is an ongoing issue especially in underprivileged/ low-income areas in the United States (Benfer et al., 2018). According to Center for disease control and prevention (CDC) (2020) about 500,000 children of age 1-5 years old have high levels of lead in their blood that can affect their health and damage their growth, while more than 13,000 children experience high levels of lead exposure. Cognitive impairments in children as a result of lead exposure cost about $50.9 billion annually. It has been estimated that about 23 million homes in the US have deteriorated lead-based paint and elevated levels of lead-contaminated house dust (Benfer et al., 2018).
Environmental factors are mainly significant in health issues related to lead exposure. Minority children born to low income earning parents have been more susceptible to lead poisoning. Older homes with lead-based paint in low-income/ poor areas have been a primary source of lead ingestion (Hauptoman et al., 2017). The neurological effects of lead exposure are irreversible, and in the long term, lead exposure has been implicated in the development of renal diseases, anemia, depleted Vitamin D levels and persistent gastrointestinal related diseases.
Benfer, E. A., Coffey, E., Gold, A. E., Hanna-Attisha, M., Lanphear, B., Li, H. Y., … & Walz, K. (2018).
Duty to Protect: Enhancing the Federal Framework to Prevent Childhood Lead Poisoning and Exposure to Environmental Harm. Yale J. Health Pol’y L. & Ethics, 18, 1.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). (2019). Childhood lead poisoning prevention.
Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/nceh/lead/prevention/populations.htm
Struggling with online classes or exams? Get expert help to ace your coursework, assignments, and tests stress-free!