in adults when we see high levels it is generally an cecupational exposure and inhalation
of lead furnes in industrial exposure settings like battery manufacturing, lead smelting,
and stained fead glass.
A courle of factors are irnportant to remernber when we are talking about lead
exposure in achuilts versus children. Absorptians rates from gastrointestinal exposure are
lower in adults versus children. So where a toddler might absorb about 50%, absorption
rates decline in adults to 3-10%. About 90% of lead will end up in the bone where it
mimics calcium, iicauses fess harm there than if it went to soft tosues ke the Hver or
Rdneys. The problem is that under cireurnstances that cause calcium mabilzation, lead
stured in the bane may remohilize and circulate in the blood, elevating blood lead
levels. The mobilization af stored lead with pregnancy, menopause, and aging is a cause
for concern, Sa to help mitigate that there should be an emphasis an good nutrition and
a calcium rich diet. Pragnant and breastfeeding woman should be sure to take their
vitamins te minimize calchirn rnobilization from the bones.
Reinforcing these messages would help minimize exposure.
1
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000694
Mark Valacak, MPH, Health Officer
Genesee County Health Department,
630 S. Saginaw St. Suite 4 Flint, Mi 48502-1540
Phone 810-257-3588 Fax 810 257-3147
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