American Journal of Nursing
Volume 108, Issue 10, 2008, Pages 40-49

Lead hazards for pregnant women and children: Part 1 and Children: Part 1: Immigrants and the poor shoulder most of the burden of lead exposure in this country. Part 1 of a two-part article details how exposure happens, whom it affects, and the harm it can do (Article)

Cleveland L.M. , Minter M.L. , Cobb K.A. , Scott A.A. , German V.F.
  • a University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio, United States
  • b Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), San Antonio, United States
  • c University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio, United States
  • d University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio, United States
  • e University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio, United States

Abstract

Overview: Poor, urban, and immigrant populations are at far greater risk for lead exposure than are other groups in the United States. Children with even slightly elevated blood lead levels are at increased risk for significant neurobehavioral problems that can extend through adolescence. Research has shown that elevated blood lead levels in pregnant women, even those well below 10 micrograms per deciliter-the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's "level of concern"-can cause miscarriage, premature birth, low birth weight, and subsequent developmental delays in their children. Despite these well-established dangers, routine prenatal lead screening and lead education is not a standard of care. Part 1 of this two-part article presents a short case example of a pregnant mother with lead poisoning and describes the epidemiology of lead exposure in the United States, the main sources of lead exposure, and the effects of lead on the pregnant mother and the developing fetus and child. Prevention is crucial. Treatment options such as chelation must be used selectively and will not reverse damage once it's occurred. Part 2 will describe recommendations for screening, education, nutrition, reducing environmental exposures, and treatment.

Author Keywords

[No Keywords available]

Index Keywords

poverty pregnancy complication Pregnancy Complications human Lead Poisoning United States Humans Adolescent Infant, Newborn Emigrants and Immigrants preschool child female Infant risk factor Risk Factors Review Child, Preschool environmental exposure newborn pregnancy Maternal Exposure adult migration pathophysiology Child
Link
https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-54049148590&doi=10.1097%2f01.NAJ.0000337736.76730.66&partnerID=40&md5=2e3f661820f762189c20540803ec7d89
DOI: 10.1097/01.NAJ.0000337736.76730.66
ISSN: 0002936X
Cited by: 44
Original Language: English