Lead Exposure and Its Effects on Human Health

An Introduction to Lead

Lead in the Lead in the human body human body The The younger younger generation generation Industries Industries and uses uses and Industries and Industries and uses uses 2.0 General facts General facts 2.0 25 25 25 25 25 50 50 50 50 50 75 75 75 75 75 100 100 100 100 100 Final Jeopardy

Lead in the human body 25 Points Question: List two ways lead can enter the human body. Answer: Inhalation Dermal Ingestion Screen Shot 2015-07-15 at 12.28.38 AM.png

Lead in the human body 50 Points Question: High levels of blood lead poisoning have been shown to cause coma or death. What have low levels of blood lead poisoning been shown to cause? Answer: Behavioral problems (ADHD, learning disabilities, etc.) Cognitive problems Hypertension Screen Shot 2015-07-15 at 12.28.38 AM.png Osteoporosis

Lead in the human body 75 Points Question: Which of the following systems does exposure to lead affect? i. ii. Cardiovascular Nervous iii. Skeletal iv. Urinary Answer: All of these systems. The brain, heart, bones, and kidneys are the most sensitive to lead exposure. Screen Shot 2015-07-15 at 12.28.38 AM.png

Lead in the human body 100 Points Question: Coupled with malnourishment, which factors allow for greater absorption of lead into the human body? Answer: There is increased absorption if an individual has malnourishment coupled with either low calcium, low Vitamin D or anemia. Screen Shot 2015-07-15 at 12.28.38 AM.png

General facts about lead 25 Points Question: What are the trends in lead poisoning and screening rates in the US over the past 20 years? Answer: Screening rates have increased while percent of individuals with eBLLs has decreased Screen Shot 2015-07-15 at 12.28.38 AM.png

General facts about lead 50 Points Question: Name 3 of the main ways lead enters the environment. Answer: 1. Mining 2. Industries 3. Consumer Products 4. Leaded paint 5. Lead in gasoline Screen Shot 2015-07-15 at 12.28.38 AM.png

General facts about lead 75 Points Question: According to scientific research, what is the lowest acceptable threshold for lead? Answer: None has been found as all amounts of lead affect the body. Screen Shot 2015-07-15 at 12.28.38 AM.png

General facts about lead 100 Points Question: According to the CDC, what is the blood lead level threshold for determination of lead poisoning as of 2012? Answer: >5 g/dL Screen Shot 2015-07-15 at 12.28.38 AM.png

Lead and the younger generation 25 Points Question: Which portion of the population is particularly vulnerable to lead and why? Answer: Children it has been shown to affect their brains and bodies causing lifelong health effects. When exposed to lead, 40% is absorbed by children while adults only absorb about 10%. If the answer is urban or ethnic minorities, that is also correct. Screen Shot 2015-07-15 at 12.28.38 AM.png

Lead and the younger generation 50 Points Question: What is the most common source of lead exposure for children? Answer: Residual dust from leaded paint in pre-1978 housing stock Screen Shot 2015-07-15 at 12.28.38 AM.png

Lead and the younger generation 75 Points Question: There is no treatment for lead poisoning. Thus, what is the main goal when responding to cases of childhood lead poisoning? Answer: Find and remove the source of lead exposure. Screen Shot 2015-07-15 at 12.28.38 AM.png

Lead and the younger generation 100 Points Question: In the US, lead is prohibited in consumer products, but a number of cases every year still come from common consumer products. What is the source of these products? Answer: Importation In 2013, imported makeup was found to cause lead poisoning in children in Kansas City, and other cases have occurred related to vinyl mini-blinds, painted toys, metal plated jewelry, etc. Screen Shot 2015-07-15 at 12.28.38 AM.png

Lead industries and uses of lead 25 Points Question: How do lead industries, such as plastics or lead-acid batteries, release lead into the environment? Answer: Air or dust Screen Shot 2015-07-15 at 12.28.38 AM.png

Lead industries and uses of lead 50 Points Question: What happened to the lead that was used in vehicles burning leaded gasoline? Answer: Roadside soil lead does not migrate Screen Shot 2015-07-15 at 12.28.38 AM.png

Lead industries and uses of lead 75 Points Question: For which transportation method is lead still used in gasoline? Answer: Airplanes Screen Shot 2015-07-15 at 12.28.38 AM.png

Lead industries and uses of lead 100 Points Question: Lead co-occurs with many other minerals, and thus was released into the environment even if it was not the target. Name 2 of these minerals. Answer: Silver Iron Zinc Mine in Cumbria, England. Copper Screen Shot 2015-07-15 at 12.28.38 AM.png

Lead industries and uses of lead, 2.0 25 Points Question: Before 1978, a majority of the houses in the US used leaded paint. Although it is banned today, pre-1978 houses still contain a large amount of lead paint, and it is seldom entirely removed. This is a process called full lead abatement. What is the main reason why lead paint is rarely completely removed from houses? Answer: Cost, it is approximately $40,000 for a full lead abatement Screen Shot 2015-07-15 at 12.28.38 AM.png

Lead industries and uses of lead, 2.0 50 Points Question: Why was paint with lead preferred over latex-based paint? Answer: The paints did not break down as fast in UV light and thus lasted longer than non-lead paint. They were also antibacterial, anti-mold, and contained antifouling properties. Screen Shot 2015-07-15 at 12.28.38 AM.png

Lead industries and uses of lead, 2.0 75 Points Question: In what year was lead banned from residential paint in the US due to health concerns? Answer: 1978 Screen Shot 2015-07-15 at 12.28.38 AM.png

Lead industries and uses of lead, 2.0 100 Points Question: Why was tetraethyl lead originally added to gasoline? Answer: To improve engine performance Reduce knocking Increase octane Boost efficiency Screen Shot 2015-07-15 at 12.28.38 AM.png

Final Jeopardy! Make your wagers. Question: When was the earliest known use of lead by humans? Answer: 3500 BCE