16 April 2004

by Anai Rhoads

AnaiRhoads.org - Lead is currently a problem in the District of Columbia's tap water due to old pipes. Older homes have lead paint, which when chipped or shaved, can result in lead poisoning. These are the most common sources we know of that contain lead, but most overlook bullets.

Gunshot victims who have lodged bullets or fragments of bullets imbedded in their body are at risk for elevated lead in the bloodstream. In the April issue of the American Journal of Epidemiology, an article discusses research based on lead levels after one comes in contact with bullets.

Gunshot victims were treated at Los Angeles' King-Drew Medical Centre and reviewed up to three months after release. All 365 patients had their blood drawn and 12 percent were found to have had levels of at least 20 micrograms per deciliter of blood-levels, and 38 percent had levels at least 10 mcg/dL. Most of the patients who agreed to be in study had been shot with small handguns. Those injured from a rifle appeared to have less lead in their bloodstream.

Although the research showed the levels in some of the patients dropped somewhat over a period of a few months, two patients still had lead levels at or above 20 mcg/dL -- even after two years. The researchers discovered that fragments of the bullet, that were not removed for safety reasons, released more lead into the bloodstream and thus kept the levels up for a longer period of time.

Lead poisoning is a serious issue. Whether it is inhaled or ingested, it can cause brain, nerve, and kidney damage in seemingly healthy adults. The naturally occurring metal is less kind to a developing fetus. Even a tiny amount can compromise an infants memory as well cause behavioural problems down the road. In a majority of cases, no obvious signs or symptoms are present.

There is no "cure" for lead poisoning, however removing the bullet, testing the tap water and protecting everyone in the household from lead paint will help reduce the blood-levels over time. A blood test can detect lead in the body, but not the source.

©2004 AnaiRhoads.org Reproduction must be authorised in writing only, and altering the material and this copyright is prohibited and protected by international law.