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LeadPaint.sPubDate = "8/14/2007 5:47:20 PM GMT";
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LeadPaint.appHeader = "Fact File|Lead Poisoning";
LeadPaint.appFooter = "Source: Centers for Disease Control & Prevention; National Safety Council; National Institutes of Health";
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LeadPaint[i-1].body = "Lead is a toxic substance found in gasoline, toys, old house paint, dust and other objects. It can have adverse health effects on children and adults. <p>A single high level exposure to lead can be toxic. However, it is more common for lead poisoning to build up slowly over time.<p>Experts consider blood lead levels greater than 10 micrograms per decaliter of blood in children to be abnormal. For adults, blood lead levels should be below 20 micrograms/dL.<p><p>Ask a doctor to test your child if you are concerned about the possibility of lead exposure.";

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LeadPaint[i-1].body = "Children under the age of 6 years are considered most at risk because their brains and central nervous systems are still developing. They also tend to put their hands or other objects into their mouths. <p>Any child can be affected by lead poisoning, although children living in older housing or at or below the poverty line are at greatest risk. <p> ";

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LeadPaint[i-1].body = "The major source of lead exposure among children in the U.S. is lead-based paint and lead-contaminated dust found in deteriorating buildings and homes built before 1978, when lead-based paints were banned. <p>Children can get lead in their bodies when they put lead objects, such as toys with lead-based paint or parts, in their mouths. It is especially dangerous if they swallow the lead object.<p>Children who play in dirt contaminated by lead (either from gasoline emissions or from peeling house paint) can end up with lead-contaminated soil under their fingernails or on their toys, or they can get it on their shoes and bring it into their homes.<p>Other sources of lead poisoning:<br><ul><br><li>Hobbies (making stained-glass windows) <br><li>Drinking water (lead pipes, solder, brass fixtures, faucets or valves)<br><li>Children's paint sets and art supplies<br><li>Storage batteries<br></ul><p>";

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LeadPaint[i-1].body = "Exposure to lead can affect nearly every system in the body.  <p>For young children, even a very low level of exposure can result in learning disabilities, lowered IQ, behavioral problems, attention deficit disorders, kidney damage, impaired hearing and stunted growth. High levels of exposure can cause mental retardation, coma and death. <p>";

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LeadPaint[i-1].body = "Because lead poisoning often occurs with no obvious symptoms, it frequently goes unnoticed. Unfortunately, you can't see, taste or smell lead.<p>Possible symptoms can include:<br><ul><br><li>Abdominal pain and cramping (usually the first sign of toxic lead poisoning) <li>Irritability <br><li>Aggressive behavior <br><li>Low appetite and energy <br><li>Difficulty sleeping <br><li>Headaches <br><li>Reduced sensations <br><li>Loss of previous developmental skills (in young children) <br><li>Anemia <br><li>Constipation <br></ul><br>Very high levels of lead exposure may cause vomiting, staggering gait, muscle weakness, seizures or coma.<br>";

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LeadPaint[i-1].body = "Clean floors with a damp mop and wipe surfaces with a moist cloth. Wash children&#146;s hands, as well as pacifiers and toys, frequently to reduce exposure to lead.<br> <br>Use only cold water from the tap for drinking, cooking and for making baby formula. Hot water is more likely to contain higher levels of lead. Most of the lead in household water usually comes from the plumbing in your house. <p>Check ceramic pottery. Some items may contain lead that can leach into food and drinks. Avoid eating off colorfully painted ceramic plates, and avoid drinking from any ceramic mugs unless you know they do not contain lead. Pottery made in Mexico or another Latin America country or in Asia tend to contain unsafe levels of lead. Pottery made in the U.S., Canada, or in Western Europe are usually safe.";

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