Growing Up With US June- 2017

Lead paint is commonly found on older structures, such as fences, that were painted before the dangers of lead were known. Over time, the paint may start peeling and flaking, causing lead dust to accumulate on the ground nearby. This poses a risk, especially to children who may come into contact with the contaminated soil and inadvertently ingest or inhale the lead particles. Therefore, the ground near a peeling old painted fence is the most likely place to find lead paint.

Lead-based paint becomes a concern when it chips, turns into dust, or gets into the soil. This is because lead is a toxic substance that can be harmful if ingested or inhaled. When lead-based paint chips or deteriorates, it can release lead particles into the air or onto surfaces, making it easier for people, especially children, to come into contact with it. Ingesting or inhaling lead can lead to various health problems, including developmental delays, learning difficulties, and organ damage. Therefore, it is important to address lead-based paint hazards to ensure the safety of individuals and prevent lead poisoning.

Scraping off old paint in an older home while the family is living there poses the greatest risk of lead exposure for a child. This is because old paint in older homes may contain lead, and the scraping process can release lead dust into the air. Children can easily ingest or inhale this lead dust, leading to lead poisoning. The other options, such as working in highway construction, doing watercolor painting, or growing flowers and vegetables, do not involve direct exposure to lead and therefore pose a lower risk.

Lead is likely found in the drinking water of homes with lead pipes. This is because lead pipes can leach lead into the water, especially if the water is corrosive or acidic. Lead exposure from drinking water can be harmful to the body, even in normal levels of 40ug/dl. Therefore, it is important to be aware of the potential presence of lead in drinking water and take necessary precautions to minimize exposure.

The correct answer is "have exposure to peeling or chipping paint?" This is because lead poisoning is commonly caused by ingesting or inhaling lead-based paint dust or chips. Young children, especially those who live in older homes, are at higher risk of lead poisoning due to their tendency to put objects in their mouths and their developing bodies' increased absorption of lead. Therefore, asking about exposure to peeling or chipping paint helps assess the child's risk for lead poisoning.

Aluminum foil for covering food is not likely to contain lead because aluminum is a non-toxic metal and is commonly used for food packaging. Unlike the other options, which involve products made in another country or manufactured overseas, aluminum foil is a widely used and regulated product that is generally considered safe for food contact.

Lead poisoning can have various harmful effects on a child's health and development. However, increased bone and muscle growth is not typically associated with high lead levels. Instead, lead exposure can lead to developmental delays, learning disabilities, and other cognitive impairments. Symptoms of lead poisoning may not be immediately apparent, making it crucial to detect and treat it early to prevent long-term damage.

The statement is false because lack of overt symptoms does not necessarily mean that a young child does not have lead poisoning. Lead poisoning can be asymptomatic or may present with subtle symptoms that may go unnoticed. Therefore, it is important to conduct proper testing and evaluation to determine if a child has lead poisoning, rather than relying solely on the absence of overt symptoms.

Children with cystic fibrosis do not have an increased risk of lead poisoning. Lead poisoning is primarily caused by exposure to lead-based paint, contaminated soil, or dust. Young children, especially those aged 6 years or younger, are at a higher risk because they tend to put their hands or objects contaminated with lead dust in their mouths. Anemia, which is caused by iron deficiency, can increase the absorption of lead in the body. The environment, specifically the home, can also be a source of lead exposure if there is lead-based paint or contaminated soil present. However, cystic fibrosis itself does not directly contribute to lead poisoning.

If a child's lead level is slightly high, it is important to assess their iron level. This is because lead toxicity can affect iron metabolism and lead to iron deficiency. Therefore, assessing the child's iron level will help determine if they have an iron deficiency that needs to be addressed. It is not necessary to transfer the child to a pediatric ICU or start chelation therapy immediately for a slightly high lead level. Re-assessing the venous lead level in 2 weeks may be done to monitor the trend, but assessing the iron level is a more immediate concern.