In modern industrial society, environmental pollution has become a global problem, and lead pollution is one of the most concerned aspects. As a toxic heavy metal, lead\’s harm to human health cannot be ignored. Especially for women and children of childbearing age, lead intake will not only affect their own health, but may also cause irreversible damage to the next generation through mother-to-child transmission. Therefore, understanding the sources, hazards, and preventive measures of lead pollution is important to protect the health of ourselves and our families.
“The reason why babies’ blood lead exceeds the standard actually lies with pregnant women, because in the heavy metal element test of pregnant women in Nanjing before pregnancy, the blood lead increased by about 18%.” Nutrition Department of Nanjing Maternal and Child Health Hospital Teacher Dai Yongmei said that \”pregnant mothers\” have excessive lead in their bodies and are likely to pass it on to their children. In 2006, the Nutrition and Food Hygiene Teaching and Research Office of Nanjing Medical University monitored that approximately 22% of school-age children in Nanjing suffered from hyperleademia. High lead levels can cause hyperactivity and inattention in children. 
High blood lead increases the risk of miscarriage
The health of the planned baby is closely related to the lead content in the mother\’s blood. Once pregnant, blood lead in the mother can easily cross the placenta and enter the fetal blood. So, what are the symptoms of people with high blood lead? Experts say that for adults, if blood lead is high, symptoms such as headache, irritability, insomnia, dizziness, abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting will occur; there are also reports that unexplained infertility in some women may be caused by excessive lead. Caused. Excess blood lead may also increase the likelihood of miscarriage, premature birth, premature rupture of membranes, and stillbirth.
For children, high blood lead is even more harmful. Lead poisoning is regarded as the \”number one killer\” of today\’s children\’s intellectual development. Excessive lead can lead to hyperactivity, inattention, impulsive behavior, reduced IQ, delayed language function development, etc. There is also data showing that for every 100 micrograms/liter increase in blood lead, children\’s IQ will drop by 6 to 8 points and their height will decrease by 1.3 centimeters.
It is best to check blood lead before planning pregnancy
Dai Yongmei said that for women of childbearing age, removing lead from the body is a major matter related to personal and child health. \”Checking blood lead before pregnancy can prevent lead pollution in pregnant women and lead pollution in fetuses. If you plan to become pregnant, it is best to check the blood lead level three months before pregnancy. If it does not exceed the standard, you must prevent it from exceeding the standard. If it is indeed If it exceeds the standard, you should change your lifestyle and diet in time, and wait until the blood lead returns to a safe level before having children.”
Car exhaust, decoration and cosmetics
Lead enters the human body through three pathways: digestive tract, respiratory tract and skin.
Car exhaust: This is the biggest culprit of lead pollution. Lead emitted from exhaust gases is widely distributed in the atmosphere and soil.
Home Decor: Pigments and paints used to paint walls and furniture contain large amounts of lead. Cast iron water pipes, PVC water pipes and other items contain varying degrees of lead.
Food: Preserved eggs, popcorn (excluding those made in microwave ovens), etc. all contain lead. Some tin cans may be soldered, allowing some lead to leach into the food.
Cosmetics: Because lead compounds can make colors last longer, they are widely used in lipstick, nail polish, eye shadow, powder, hair dye, etc., and enter the human body through the skin.
In addition, living in downtown areas and close to chemical plants, refineries, etc. will also cause a certain increase in blood lead; people who are often exposed to ink printing materials may have elevated blood lead; people who are engaged in beauty and metallurgy , batteries, ceramics, paint and other industries. Women who work in petroleum, petroleum and other industries are also people who are prone to excessive blood lead levels.
Eat more kelp, garlic, and onions
Living: Buy a property away from major traffic roads. Try not to live on the roadside and stay away from places with many cars.
Décor: Use as little paint as possible and use quality products when necessary.
Lifestyle: Do not use glass tableware, wash hands frequently, and minimize hair dyeing. Special attention should be paid to the fact that items such as cast iron water pipes and PVC water pipes contain varying degrees of lead. When using tap water in the early morning, you should let it sit for 3-5 minutes to flush out the lead in the water pipes.
Diet: Wash vegetables and fruits as much as possible, and peel them if possible; eat more acidic foods, fish, meat, eggs, poultry, and vegetables and fruits rich in vitamin C, such as rape, cabbage, bitter melon, Kiwi, red dates, etc. can promote the removal of lead. Avoid or eat less foods high in lead, such as preserved eggs and old-fashioned popcorn, and drink less canned drinks. Eat more calcium-rich foods such as dairy products, iron-rich foods such as lean meat and black sesame seeds, and zinc-rich foods such as meat, seafood, nuts, and whole wheat.
In addition, the iodine and alginic acid in kelp can promote the excretion of lead; the sulfide in garlic and onions can resolve the toxic effects of lead. They are all called lead-proof foods. Green tea contains tea polyphenols, which can promote the excretion of toxic substances such as lead.
Regular health examinations, especially for women and children of childbearing age, can detect abnormal blood lead levels early and take appropriate intervention measures. The government and relevant agencies should also strengthen environmental monitoring and the formulation of regulations to limit the production and sales of high-lead products to reduce public health risks.
In short, lead pollution is a complex public health problem that requires us to work together from the individual, community and policy levels to take effective preventive measures to protectOur health and that of the next generation. Through scientific knowledge and action, we can jointly create a healthier and safer environment.
