The findings were released at an international conference on lead poisoning. The study of 22,000 people including children, pregnant women and industrial workers was done by the George Foundation, a child advocacy group. Lead poisoning can cause permanent brain damage. Lead poisoning is a concern, but not a major problem, in the United States where children may have been exposed to lead-based paint used on older homes. Young children may eat paint chips from exposed lead-based paint surfaces.
Stomach acids dissolve the lead in the paint, allowing the lead to get into the bloodstream.
The chances of getting lead poisoning from most drinking water systems in the United States is slim. Safety regulations and required monitoring of public drinking water supplies protects most consumers. Many lending agencies now require that home water supplies be tested and meet health requirements for lead. The University of Arkansas Water Quality Lab at Fayetteville tests lead in water for a fee. Stanley L. Chapman Back to top Multiple Inlet Rice Irrigation Several Arkansas rice producers are realizing the benefits of using irrigation tubing to provide multiple water inlets when irrigating rice fields.