In the children's ward, premature babies occupy incubators at nearly twice the national rate. Toddlers absorb up to 50 percent more lead than do adults. The figure is similar for pregnant women, and once in the bloodstream, lead can cross the placenta. Lead poisoning in children causes anemia, mental retardation, and irreversible neurological disorders. Too much cadmium damages the kidneys.
Mercury attacks the brain and nervous system.
Kunes shows us a young boy recovering from bacterial meningitis. He notes that in northern Bohemia the incidence of bacterial meningitis is about 12 cases per 27,000 children each year. In less polluted southern Bohemia, almost no cases are reported. He regards a premature baby and shrugs his shoulders. Of course, the main cause is pollution.