Lead Kills and Maims

July 29, 2009 0 Comments

Lead is not a nutrient and has no known benefit in the human body. In fact, it is a toxic killer to healthy cells, and especially so in children and pregnant women.

Why then is it so prevalent in our environment? Currently, lead is intentionally added to vinyl plastics (there are better, and safer alternatives as stabilizing agents). Common products that expose children that are made of vinyl include toys, lunch boxes, bibs, wallets, and jewelry.

Lead, even in small amounts is toxic. It can cause birth defects, impair brain development , cause learning problems, and antisocial behavior.

In a study done in 2005, that looked at lead levels in vinyl lunch boxes, it was discovered that in some samples, 90 times the legal amount was found. When children handle such items, the lead can be absorbed directly through their skin or transferred to their fingers, and then into their mouths and swallowed. Pregnant women handling these items are at similar risk for their unborn babies.

What to do?

• Avoid vinyl plastics whenever you can especially if you are pregnant, and around small children.

• Buy toys and products that are known to be lead free. Here is a web page with hundreds of lead free toys: http://www.thedailygreen.com/environmental-news/latest/250-lead-free-toys-501101

• Have each member of your family get a blood lead level, and a hair analysis for heavy metals. You can get this at Lifeworks Wellness Center .

• If you have detectable amounts of lead in your blood (your level should be zero) or high levels in your hair, then begin a program with Metal Free to bring your levels down. Metal Free is an all natural product that will bind up the lead and remove it in your stool. For more information on Metal-Free go to www.metal-free.com

• Many children who have been diagnosed with ADD, autism, sleep disorders, mood disorders, and developmental problems have elevated levels of heavy metals like lead or mercury. These children can often be helped by removing the offending high levels of metals from their bodies. Such children should be seen by a health care practitioner who is knowledgeable in dealing with this. Lifeworks Wellness Center specializes in this area and if you would like to have a consultation or get more information, call Tamora at 727.466.6789.