Question

Because of the serious consequences of lead poisoning, the Federal Centers for Disease Control in Atlanta has set a threshold of concern for lead levels in children's blood. This threshold was based on a study that suggested that lead levels in blood as low as 10 micrograms of lead per deciliter of blood can result in subtle effects of lead toxicity. Suppose a child had a lead level in her blood of \(2.5 \times 10^{-4}\) grams of lead per liter of blood. Is this person in danger of exhibiting the effects of lead poisoning?

Short answer

Yes, the person is in danger of exhibiting effects of lead poisoning, as their lead level is 25 micrograms per deciliter, which exceeds the CDC's threshold of concern.

Step-by-step solution

Understanding the Threshold Level

Recognize that the threshold level for concern by the CDC for lead levels in children's blood is set at 10 micrograms per deciliter.

Converting the Child's Blood Lead Level to the Same Units

The child's blood lead level is given in grams per liter. Convert this to micrograms per deciliter to match the threshold units. Use the conversion: 1 gram = 1,000,000 micrograms and 1 deciliter = 0.1 liters. The child's lead level is therefore: 2.5 x 10^{-4} grams per liter = 2.5 x 10^{-4} * 1,000,000 micrograms per liter = 250 micrograms per liter. Since there are 10 deciliters in a liter, this is 250 / 10 = 25 micrograms per deciliter.

Comparing the Child's Level with the Threshold

Now compare the converted lead level of the child with the CDC threshold of 10 micrograms per deciliter. The child's level is 25 micrograms per deciliter, which is above the threshold.

Determining the Risk of Lead Poisoning

Since the child's lead level of 25 micrograms per deciliter exceeds the threshold for potential lead toxicity effects set at 10 micrograms per deciliter, the child is at risk of exhibiting the effects of lead poisoning.

Key concepts

CDC Lead Threshold

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) plays a critical role in safeguarding public health and has established benchmarks for various health indicators. One such important measure is the threshold for lead levels in children's blood to address the serious consequences of lead poisoning. The CDC's level of concern for lead in the bloodstream of children is set at 10 micrograms per deciliter. This determination is derived from scientific studies indicating that even low concentrations of lead can result in adverse health outcomes.

Lead exposure is particularly harmful to children due to their growing bodies and developing nervous systems, which makes them more susceptible to the toxin's detrimental effects. It's crucial to maintain vigilance over lead levels, and the CDC's established limit serves as a guide to prompt intervention and prevention measures to protect children's health.

Blood Lead Level Conversion

In order to assess the risk of lead poisoning, it is essential to understand and accurately convert the measurement of lead in blood. Blood lead levels are commonly measured in micrograms of lead per deciliter of blood (mcg/dL), but sometimes they may be provided in different units, necessitating conversion for proper analysis.

To convert from grams per liter (g/L) to the CDC's standard of mcg/dL, remember these two key conversion factors: 1 gram is equivalent to 1,000,000 micrograms, and 1 liter is equal to 10 deciliters. Through these conversions, health practitioners and researchers can accurately interpret blood lead levels and make suitable health recommendations.

Lead Toxicity Effects

The consequences of lead toxicity in children can range from subtle to severe, impacting numerous aspects of development and health. Even at low levels, exposure to lead can cause cognitive impairment, reduced IQ, behavioral issues, and learning difficulties. As blood lead levels rise, the severity of these effects increases, potentially leading to anemia, kidney damage, and neurological problems such as seizures and encephalopathy.

It's important to recognize that there is no safe level of lead exposure for children; hence, the focus is on minimizing it as much as possible. Regular screening and prevention strategies—such as ensuring safe environments and preventing exposure to lead-based paints and contaminated dust—are crucial steps in protecting children from the toxic effects of lead.