Products made with this recycled lead find their way to international markets and industrialized countries (AAAS, 2013). Some countries still use leaded fuel for vehicles and thusly have an increase in the BLL in the population (GLASS, 2014). With the use of lead in industrialized countries and lack of regulation or protection in developing countries, the problem of lead exposure is a worldwide concern.
National Issue
Lead exposure damage effects the population of the United States. With median BLL of 1.6 mcg/dL, America has rates better than many countries and populations across the world (GLASS, 2014). The median BLL in US children, aged 1-5, decreased 93% from 15 mcg/dL in 1976 to 1.0 mcg/dL in 2012 with the fastest decline seen in 1970-1990 …show more content…
EPA lays out several simple steps to maintaining an optimal home environment and preventing lead exposures (2016). Routine maintenance and repair by a licensed contractor is recommended to prevent breakdown of lead in the older housing (Home Safe, 2013). Maintaining a clean and safe home free of dust and dirt will help reduce lead particles (EPA, 2016). Eating a healthy diet with plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables is recommended for health and organic produce that is grown at home will help ensure food is free of harmful contaminates (EPA, 2016). Families with healthy lifestyles and clean homes are less likely to be effected by lead exposure (EPA, 2016). Along with family tips, businesses and governmental agencies also play a part. This can include new regulations or improvements of current regulation. Proper disposal of pollutants and handling of materials will greatly help. Furthermore, education of the population on the dangers of hazardous materials along with readily available content and resources will make improvements. These are the only effective ways to prevent the harmful effects of lead (CDC, 2015). Of the already exposed and symptom exhibiting population, there has to be plans in place to help the families out (CDC, 2015, p. vi). With this, Healthy People 2020 objectives are in place to address lead exposure (2016). Firstly, objective “EH-8.1 Reduce blood level in children 1-5 years” addresses the issue at hand directly (HP2020, 2016). This is measured with BLL and a 10% improvement is seen (HP2020, 2016). Secondly, “EH-18.1 Reduce the number of U.S. homes that are found to have lead-based paint or related hazards” addresses the number one risk to lead exposure for children and a 10% improvement is noted as well (HP2020, 2016). Lastly, “EH-22.1 Increase the number of States, Territories, Tribes, and the District of Columbia that monitor diseases or
National Issue
Lead exposure damage effects the population of the United States. With median BLL of 1.6 mcg/dL, America has rates better than many countries and populations across the world (GLASS, 2014). The median BLL in US children, aged 1-5, decreased 93% from 15 mcg/dL in 1976 to 1.0 mcg/dL in 2012 with the fastest decline seen in 1970-1990 …show more content…
EPA lays out several simple steps to maintaining an optimal home environment and preventing lead exposures (2016). Routine maintenance and repair by a licensed contractor is recommended to prevent breakdown of lead in the older housing (Home Safe, 2013). Maintaining a clean and safe home free of dust and dirt will help reduce lead particles (EPA, 2016). Eating a healthy diet with plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables is recommended for health and organic produce that is grown at home will help ensure food is free of harmful contaminates (EPA, 2016). Families with healthy lifestyles and clean homes are less likely to be effected by lead exposure (EPA, 2016). Along with family tips, businesses and governmental agencies also play a part. This can include new regulations or improvements of current regulation. Proper disposal of pollutants and handling of materials will greatly help. Furthermore, education of the population on the dangers of hazardous materials along with readily available content and resources will make improvements. These are the only effective ways to prevent the harmful effects of lead (CDC, 2015). Of the already exposed and symptom exhibiting population, there has to be plans in place to help the families out (CDC, 2015, p. vi). With this, Healthy People 2020 objectives are in place to address lead exposure (2016). Firstly, objective “EH-8.1 Reduce blood level in children 1-5 years” addresses the issue at hand directly (HP2020, 2016). This is measured with BLL and a 10% improvement is seen (HP2020, 2016). Secondly, “EH-18.1 Reduce the number of U.S. homes that are found to have lead-based paint or related hazards” addresses the number one risk to lead exposure for children and a 10% improvement is noted as well (HP2020, 2016). Lastly, “EH-22.1 Increase the number of States, Territories, Tribes, and the District of Columbia that monitor diseases or