Lead- A Toxic Legacy for Children's Health On February 24th, 2007 four-year old Jarnell Brown died in a Minneapolis hospital after swallowing a charm bracelet made of lead that came with a pair of Reebok shoes. Before passing away, his mother noticed Jarnell was lethargic. By the time she took him to the hospital, his lead levels were three times higher than what health officials considered dangerous. Lead is a neurotoxin that acts on nerve cells, usually by interacting with membrane proteins. Lead poisoning is caused by increased lead levels in the blood, posing a severe toxicological threat for children’s health. As people of faith, we are constantly reminded to “purify ourselves from everything that contaminates body and spirit, perfecting holiness out of reverence for God” (2 Corinthians 7:1-NIV). With this in mind, what impact will lead poisoning have on those who come after us? How will children with lead poisoning live to enjoy all the bountiful blessings which God has bestowed on this earth? According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), sources and pathways of lead exposure include lead-based paint, soil and dust, parental occupations and hobbies, cosmetics, and refinishing furniture. Lead has also been found in children’s toy’s, toy jewelry, vinyl, and some candies. Although lead poisoning is more harmful for children, this condition can affect adults too. Studies have highlighted that lead poisoning can cause pregnancy and reproductive complications, concentration problems, high blood pressure, and digestive problems in adults. Based on the lead poisoning statistics, an estimated 890,000 children ages one to five have elevated blood lead levels. The level below which lead is considered not to be a significant adverse effect in the blood of an infant is 600 parts per million (ppm). The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends limit of 40ppm as a safe level of exposure to lead. Efforts have been made on the state and federal level to strengthen lead limits such as in Washington State that approved a lead limit of 40ppm in March 2008. In July 2008, Congress approved the Consumer Product Safety Commission Reform Act which includes a provision to phase down lead limits in children's products up to age twelve from 600ppm to 100ppm in the next three years. Unfortunately, this will take precedent over the Washington State law, which is actually stronger. Click here to read an analysis of this law. People of faith taking action St Michael’s Catholic Church hosts free lead testing of toys in Olympia, Washington. Learn more about lead Children's Environmental Health Network Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Lead in Lunch Boxes Healthytoys.org Learn more about environmental health Issues from the NCC Environmental Health- Home Toxics Environmental Justice and Health Children’s and Women’s Health Pesticides Cosmetics NEW Our daily Bread- Food and Health Plastics Mercury- Our Children’s Inheritance Air Quality Flame Retardants Take Action!