TBO.com - TBO is Tampa Bay Online

The Facts About Lead

ADVERTISEMENT

By MARY SHEDDEN | The Tampa Tribune

Published: December 9, 2007

Special Section: Toy Recalls

- A child with 10 or more micrograms per deciliter of lead in his or her blood is considered poisoned and in need of medical treatment.

- Symptoms of lead poisoning can include poor appetite, aggressive behavior, memory loss, lethargy and diminished IQ levels.

- Parents can ask a pediatrician about a simple blood test. Children who do not have Medicare or insurance can get free tests through the Hillsborough County Health Department. For details, call (813) 305-8015, Ext. 7108.

- Consumers can conduct their own lead tests with kits available at local hardware stores. Although the tests have been repeatedly criticized by the Consumer Product Safety Commission, Consumer Reports Magazine has tested two it deems fairly reliable for initial testing. "They can be useful tools, but they are limited," said Don Mays, senior researcher for the independent Consumer's Union, publisher of Consumer Reports.

Share this:

Loading Comments...

Email Print

ADVERTISEMENT