1. Tulane School of Public
Health
ENVIRONMENTAL LEAD
Starleen Maharaj-Lewis
Senior Program Coordinator
Tulane University School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine
Department of Global Environmental Health Sciences
2. Why Are We
Here Today?
We all want to live in a
healthy environment.
Some of these factors
include:
What is in our food
The quality of our air,
water and soil
Safe homes and
communities
3. What is Lead?
Natural metal element (Pb)
Where can Lead (Pb) be
found?
Lead is a heavy metal commonly
found in all environments. Lead is
a health hazard for all humans.
Lead can be inhaled, ingested or
absorbed from the skin and can
seriously harm any system of the
human body.
4. What is Lead?
Natural metal element (Pb) Where can Lead be found today?
Lead-based paint in older
homes
Contaminated soil
Household dust
Drinking water
Toys imported from outside of
the US
Hobby supplies found in local
stores
5. How Lead Spreads
Released into air from industrial or
vehicles, travel long distances then
settle on the ground and stick to soil,
or into ground water.
Remodeling old lead painted homes
and pipes releases into dust, ground,
and water.
Can be ingested directly or from
hand to mouth.
6. Lead Hazards
and Effects
Commonly found in all
environments, Lead is
a health hazard for all
humans.
Lead can be inhaled,
ingested or absorbed
from the skin and can
seriously harm any
system of the human
body.
8. What Can We Do?
Wipe surfaces (floors, window sills,
toys)
Wash hands frequently (adults and
kids)
Use only cold water from the tap for
drinking and cooking.
Check in homes, parks, daycares.
Get informed-
http://new.dhh.louisiana.gov/index.cf
m/page/466
