I need help creating a thesis and an outline on The effects of lead contamination on fetal brain development. Prepare this assignment according to the guidelines found in the APA Style Guide. An abstr

I need help creating a thesis and an outline on The effects of lead contamination on fetal brain development. Prepare this assignment according to the guidelines found in the APA Style Guide. An abstract is required. Continuous exposure will fix lead to the bone in areas where the most growth is occurring. The half life of lead in the blood is 35 days, it remains in soft tissue for 40 days and is then stored in the bones for 20 or 30 years (Cullen et al, pg 9).

The lead levels may not reflect an accurate count of the total lead in the system as lead is released when calcium declines and soldiers with shrapnel wounds may have resurfacing lead return to the bloodstream. Lead exposure can happen in some unusual ways such as having consumed homemade liquor or moonshine or from chewing on an imported toy. 90% of ingested lead is eliminated unabsorbed (Cullen et al pg 10).

Children are also more susceptible to lead poisoning as they have less bone density than adults and thus the lead remains stored in soft tissues producing toxic effects (Cullen et al, pg 10). Osteoporosis can also lead to elevated blood levels as the decreased calcium releases the lead back to blood and soft tissue.

"The effects of lead poisoning on the brain are manifold and include delayed or reversed development, learning disabilities, seizures, coma and even death (Marcus, pg 2). Adults with lead poisoning suffer from depression, aggression, low sperm counts and underweight babies. The problem is world wide and crosses all economic backgrounds with greater percentages in poor areas.

The numbers of lead poisoning cases in children has declined over the decades since lead paint was banned and plumbing codes have been updated, however, it remains a concern for low income families living in older buildings in need of renovation.