Children at Risk

The brain and spine develop quickly through childhood. Toxins can cause more harm during this time than later in adulthood. Children also eat more calories per pound of body weight than adults. This may increase the level of toxic metals from food.

Infants also have a habit of putting things into their mouths. This can increase exposure of some metals, especially lead. High levels of lead in the blood have been tied to lower IQ, poor school grades, and behavior problems. High levels of blood lead can be life-threatening.

In the Home

Mercury can be found in thermostats, fluorescent light bulbs, barometers, glass thermometers, and blood pressure devices. Mercury may spill out if the devices are broken. Vapors from the mercury may also be released into the air. Major efforts are underway to remove mercury in households. For example, mercury thermometers are no longer made or used in medical centers.

The amount of spilled mercury is important. Smaller amounts can be managed by individuals. Follow the directions from the http://www.epa.gov/mercury/spills. You may want to print these directions. Keep them for later reference in case you cannot use the internet when a spill happens.

Spills larger than the amount found in a thermometer are an environmental emergency. It will need to be cleaned up by a professional. For larger spills follow EPA directions to:

• http://www.epa.gov/epahome/state.htm
• Keep the area closed off. Close doors. Cover openings between rooms with plastic.
• Turn off heat. This will slow vapors from mercury.
• Open windows.
• Do not vacuum or use a broom to sweep up mercury.
• Turn off fans and air conditioning. They can spread vapors through the house.
• Keep children away from the spill. If possible, keep them out of the house.
• Do not let anyone walk through the spill.
• Do not pour mercury down the drain or flush it down the toilet.

Cosmetics

Eye-area cosmetics may also have mercury. The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) allows no more than trace amounts. The agency keeps a close watch for reports of problems. Products may be banned if high levels are found.

Dental Fillings

A type of dental filling has some mercury. Dental amalgam or silver fillings have about 50% mercury. Mercury vapors can be released over time. The FDA states that the amount of mercury is well within the safe level for the body.

Fillings have been tracked for many years. The research has not shown that this type of filling is harmful. You can ask for fillings made of other material. They may not be right for some needs. The dentist can go over your choices.

Dishes

Some dishes with a lead-based glaze. Crystal glasses may also be leaded. You may absorb some lead when you use them. New products will have warning labels. Older pieces, like antiques, may not have warning labels.

Paint

Lead-based paint is another source of lead poisoning. Most houses built before 1978 has lead paint. The lead can be found in house dust, which can be inhaled or flaked off chips of paint. Infants may put flakes or dust in their mouth. Local health department offer programs to help get rid of lead that may pose a risk to children in homes.

Soil

Lead occurs naturally in the soil. The amount has been increased by leaded gas deposits (no longer used), paint chips from outside areas, or industry. Lead exposure happens when soil is eaten, again common in young children. Vegetables that grow in lead-contaminated soil can also increase lead in the body.

Plumbing

Older buildings may contain corroded lead plumbing pipes and fixtures. Exposure can also happen from pipes that are not often used. The longer water sits in pipes, the more lead it is exposed to. Water companies monitor lead content. Look for local water reports.