M9.4 Blog: Heavy Metals

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While reading both the childhood lead poisoning case of Nigerian children and Needleman (2004)'s review on the toxic effects of lead poisoning among children and adults, I kept thinking about the future consequences that will impact their lives. Although the Nigerian children received care that lowered their lead levels, Needleman (2004) highlights the lasting neuorlogical effects that lead has on children's typical development. I wonder how these children are doing now and if they are suffering from the consequences of their exposure in terms of neuro-developmental problems and other physical health damage as they have grown older. Needlman's review also included severe physical ailments as part of lead exposure among children such as anemia, abdominal pain, and stunted growth.
Given these findings, it would be interesting to see if there was any more follow up on the Nigerian children and whether researchers would have found similar findings as compared to Needleman (2004)'s research. Although there are more protections in this day and age against lead exposure, I can't help but feel cautious about whether this is completely true. The use of testing kits and education of the community can help lessen the chances of exposure especially in the home. Community empowerment and education is essential in protecting children from future harm. 

Comments

  1. AnonymousNovember 5, 2018 at 5:24 PM

    The article about the Nigerian children really was astonishing. Hundreds of children dead over a period of years and the only media attention paid to it is a one-page internet blurb? It’s absolutely disheartening to think that so many lives were destroyed.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Sintia ShahbazNovember 5, 2018 at 6:10 PM

    It really would be interesting to see a follow up on those children. From all the studies we have read about lead, I would think they will suffer from some sort of condition in the future. It is sad that due to the lack of education this many children were effected.

    ReplyDelete

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