Climate change and environmental justice in the News…
A Widening War Against Lead in West Atlanta (Georgia Health News-May 18)
……Children at highest risk. Lead occurs naturally and has been used extensively in various industries over the years. That use has been reduced, though not eliminated, as the metal’s dangers have become better known.
Even at low levels, lead can damage children’s brains, lowering intelligence and weakening their powers of self-control and concentration, researchers have found. At higher levels, lead can affect growth, and it can replace iron in the blood, leading to anemia and fatigue. Children can absorb as much as 90% more lead into their bodies than adults.
There is no safe level of lead exposure, the Atlanta-based Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says. In adults, lead poisoning can cause an increased risk of high blood pressure and damage the nerves and kidneys. It also can cause miscarriages. Lead poisoning can come from several sources, including water, paint, house dust, even certain toys and imported candies. READ MORE