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Heavy Metals

There are so many adverse health effects of lead when it comes to how much we are exposed to as adults and as children. Research has found that lead exposure leads to problems in behavioral development in children and even adults themselves. Learning about the history behind the realization of harmful effect due to lead exposure in the first article by Needleman (2004) of lead exposure opened my eyes to how little we know about the long-term effects of metals. It took centuries to discover that lead was causing infertility issues among men and women, developmental disorders in children, and increased psychosis. Reading about the effects lead poisoning may have had on the fall of Rome is mind-boggling and makes me think about what current metal exposure are doing to Americans now in present day. The last module in the six chemical classes, discussed 4 metals that are still present in many products. The health effects of these metals look similar to that of lead, yet regulations and restrictions on metals like cadmium and arsenic are rarely discussed or brought to light the way lead has. In my personal experience, I know more about the harms of lead than I knew existed for mercury, cadmium, and arsenic. 

 The story and actions taken in Nigeria is a great example of how much power can come from public health professionals implementing an intervention to improve the health of a community affected by hazardous waste/products. It is unfortunate that it took the death of 100s of babies for things to change and that there are so many vulnerable populations that are still unaware of the health implications brought on by metals and chemicals. It almost feels like a never ending fight against substances that we learn more about each and everyday.  

Comments

  1. kschererOctober 27, 2019 at 4:39 PM

    I really like that you pulled the positive out of the article about lead in the Nigerian community. It is a testament to grassroots efforts, but at such a large cost.

    ReplyDelete

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