Lead Poisening in Children

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TABLE OF CONTENTS PAGE 1. Question one: Discuss lead poisoning in children as a result of lead being used in the manufacturing of children’s toys. 1-3 2. Question two: Discuss the various safety criteria to follow when buying indoor and outdoor equipment for a baby and toddler unit, and for children aged 3-6 years of age. 4-6 3. Question three: Ways to ensure that equipment you have bought does not cause lead poisoning 7-8 4. Question four: How a child’s developmental level effects their safety and health. 9-15 5. Question five: General and specific measures to prevent the transmission of communicable diseases in ECD/schools. 16-20 6. Bibliography 21 QUESTION ONE Lead poisoning in children Lead poisoning has been a reality for people since pre-biblical times. Ancient civilizations hailed it as the father of all metals and used it extensively for all manner of things. Face powders, rouges, and mascaras; a sweet and sour condiment for seasoning food;a wine preservative and an inexpensive ingredient in pewter cups, plates, pitchers, pots and pans, its use was common place in the Roman Empire. (Lead Poisoning: A Historical Perspective by Jack Lewis [EPA Journal - May 1985]). In the early twentieth century, use of lead based petrol and paints were prevalent. This led to the health of entire societies being compromised. The banning of lead based paints in the manufacturing of children’s toys and products in 1962, followed by the ban of its use in paints for residential areas in 1978 in the USA, paved the way for other countries to soon follow suit. (www.who.int/ceh/publications/leadguidance) The ramifications of lead exposure in children can therefore be devastating, the younger the child, the more harmful it can be. Children are more susceptible
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