Lead shouldn’t be in food, should it? But the fact is that lead is often present in our food. This metal is dangerous for both children and adults. In children, it can affect brain development, the nervous system and hearing. In adults, it can lead to high blood pressure, joint pain and reproductive problems.
Recently, various reports found large amounts of lead in apple sauce, cinnamon powder, protein powder and chocolate. That’s why the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has set new limits for the amount of lead in children’s diets.
Where does the lead come from in the food?
Lead is found naturally on the surface of the earth. It has long been used in petrol, paint, pipes, cosmetics, pottery and batteries. According to Dr. Joseph Zagorski, a toxicologist at Michigan State University, “Plants absorb lead from the soil, especially crops that grow on soil with high levels of lead. ”
But pollution isn’t always natural. Human activities such as smelting metals or the use of chemicals containing lead contaminate the soil. The use of lead fuels in the atmosphere can also increase pollution. Although lead has now been eliminated from vehicle gasoline, it is still present in some fuels.
In some cases, people add lead to the diet themselves. For example, in 2023, it was revealed that some apple sauce packets were intentionally putting lead. But this is rare.
It is not possible to remove lead completelySince lead is naturally present in the environment, it is impossible to remove it completely. But according to experts, even small amounts can be dangerous for human health.
The FDA is trying to reduce lead levels in children’s diets as much as possible. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC), no safe amount of lead has been determined. Currently, according to the FDA, a maximum of 2.2 micrograms per day for children and 8.8 micrograms of lead for women of maternal age is not considered safe.
What’s your best defense?
It is not possible to measure the amount of lead in homes. But experts suggest a few simple steps. Dr. Tasha Stauber, who is affiliated with the Environmental Working Group, says they should use brands that regularly test their products.
According to Dr. Zagorski, “Your strongest defense is a balanced, diverse, and nutritious diet. “There are two benefits to eating a variety of foods:
• You don’t eat too much of a single diet that can be affected by lead.
• Your body can better protect itself from the effects of toxins.
“If your body has the right amount of iron, it will absorb less lead,” he said. “Dependence on too much protein powder or any one food item can be dangerous. “Protein powder is just a supplement, not a food. ”
In Dr. Zagorski’s words, “The effect of poisoning depends on the amount of food. Your body is good at keeping itself clean, just help it by giving it a balanced diet. ”
