The following information demonstrates steps that can be taken to help alleviate the possibilities of developmental disabilities.
Fit In Folic Acid
If you are thinking about having
a baby, are you also thinking about taking folic acid? Women of childbearing age
who consume enough of this B vitamin can reduce their risk of having babies with
birth defects of the brain and spine.
These birth defects can develop early in a pregnancy, possibly before a woman
knows she is pregnant. For the greatest protection, the March of Dimes
recommends that women begin getting folic acid, also known as folate, one month
before conception. Even if you are not planning to have a baby, remember that
more than half of all pregnancies are unplanned. That's why it makes sense to
get enough folic acid now.
Good sources of folic acid include green leafy vegetables such as broccoli,
orange juice, liver, fruit, chickpeas, eggs, peanuts and fortified whole-grain
products.
Lead
Lead can disrupt certain biochemical reactions of messages from one neuron to
the next. Neurotransmitter malfunction have been linked to symptoms of ADHD.
Lead poisoning is treatable; but the effectiveness of treatment depends on the
child's blood levels, radiological evidence of lead deposits in bone, and the
age of the child. At times, an analysis of drinking water (for presence of lead)
might be advisable.
Two sources of lead are potter and ceramics which will be used in food
preparation and food consumption. Check the bottom of cups, bowls, etc., for
country of manufacture. If it was manufactured in the U.S. or Great Britain, it
will be lead-free.
Leaded crystal decanters will sometimes release lead into beverages stored in
them due to a chemical reaction between the crystal and the beverage. The longer
the beverage is stored in the leaded crystal the higher its lead content.
Information if from "Lead Poisoning and Learning Disabilities" by Walter M.
Block, M.D.
This information is from a Public Notice/Educational Brochure distributed by the City of West Palm Beach.
“Infants and children who drink water containing lead in excess of the action level could experience delays in their physical or mental development. Children could show slight deficit in attention span and learning disabilities. Adults who drink water contain lead over many years could develop kidney problems or high blood pressure. “ – The City of West Palm Beach
Lead is a common metal that is found throughout the environment and it too much enters your body it can be a significant risk to your health. Over many years lead building up in your body can cause damage to the brain, red blood cells, and kidneys. Young children and pregnant women are at the greatest risk.
One way to protect yourself is to reduce your exposure to lead in drinking water. The Environmental Protection Agency estimates that drinking water can make up to 20% or more of a person’s total exposure to lead. It enters drinking water as result of corrosion or wearing away of materials containing lead in the water distribution system and household plumbing. You should have your water tested. (You can try Steve Schmidt, a laboratory manager at 822-2281, or visit http://www.dep.state.fl.us/labs/cgi-bin/aams/index.asp)
If the water test indicates that you have lead above 15 parts per billion then the following precautions should be taken.
- Flush your system- when you need water for drinking or cooking let the water run from the tap for about 15-30 seconds if it has gone unused for the last six hours.
- Use cold water for drinking and cooking, hot water can dissolve more lead more quickly than cold water.
- In new homes with new plumbing run water for 3-5 minuets to remove loose solder and debris from the plumbing.
- Make sure your copper pipes are not joined with a lead solder. They look gray and scratched with a key look shiny.
- Check with a licensed electrician to see if your ground wires from the electrical system are attached to your pipes, this can cause corrosion to be greater.
Lead is very dangerous to the body and is now linked to developmental delays, take precautions and protect your children.
Stay Out Of Your House While Redecorating
The Conservation Law Foundation, an environmental group in Boston, recently
warned that home renovations often spread lead contamination, especially if a
contractor sands down old paint, since children and adults can be hurt by
breathing lead-filled dust.
When lead-based paint was in common use, until a few years ago, it was
frequently used on windows, doors, stairs, columns and trim, according to the
group. Metal surfaces, including radiators and railing are especially likely to
have lead paint.
Lead in paint is most hazardous when it is disturbed, and if you are remodeling,
experts recommend handling lead pain almost as carefully as you would asbestos.
They suggest that you either assume that all paint in the house has lead in it,
or have the house inspected by an expert. Test kits are available, but they are
not as reliable as an expert inspection.
Choose a contractor who has experience working with lead paint. If the workers
wear masks, that is a good sign. Ask whether he used "high efficiency" air
filters, which remove nearly all the particulates.
Hang plastic sheets over the doorways of rooms where work is being done to
minimize the spread of paint dust. Have the contractor clean up the dust daily.
Try to stay out of the house while the work is done. Pregnant women, especially,
should stay away, because fetuses are "exquisitely sensitive to neurological
damage from lead exposure," according to the Conservation Law Foundation.
Check Your Home for Lead
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