M9.4 Heavy Metals

Heavy Metals

"Lead Poisoning"

In addition to describing the adverse health outcomes of lead toxicity/poisoning in humans, especially children, an interesting history of lead and its use in human history was described in this article. Lead poisoning/toxicity is documented to have adverse health effects on the neurological system, gastrointestinal and renal systems. Lead was prevalently used in the wine making and plumbing systems of the Roman Empire and is described as a contributor to its demise. Lead is an ancient chemical known to humanity. The Romans designated it the chemical symbol “Pb” for “plumbum,” because plumbers would use it to line the Roman water pipes, consequently leading to the eventual demise/poisoning of the Roman Empire. The English hat makers of the Victorian Age used lead to line hats, which they would lick in the process of making. Ingesting large amounts of lead caused neurotoxicity that presented with hallucinations, delusions and psychotic behavior – hence the term “mad hatter.” In the U.S.A, lead paint has been banned since the late 1970s, because of evidence that shows severe neurotoxicity resulting from even low levels of lead exposure in children who came into contact with lead based paint in old homes. Yet, why is it still used in other industrial products and hobbies? If the poor health outcomes of lead exposure has been intensively documented throughout history, why does the national government and public health department permit its use in products that are so close to human contact? It seems so unscientific and great disregard for evidence. Throughout human history, human civilizations have has a dangerous affinity to lead.

"An environmental health response to a severe outbreak of childhood lead poisoning in NigeriaCasey Bartrem"

Although lead poisoning/toxicity in these Nigerian villages were a result of preventable unsafe mining practices, there is hope to know that remediation is being implemented by UN humanitarian  and non-government organizations and the Nigerian health authorities. Hopefully, these discoveries of lead poisoning/toxicity cases in Nigeria will change policies that implement safer or reduced mining practices. Public education on lead safety is also essential for future prevention.