This groundbreaking study reveals the continuing danger that lead contamination presents to health—particularly in the earliest stages of life. Disclosure about the lead content in house paint, gasoline, canned food, and tap water revolutionized the manufacturing of those products a generation ago, but lead-based products are still produced and pose a health hazard as lead remains in the environment years after its initial use. The deleterious effects of lead on early cognitive development are well documented, but the data in this reference regarding in utero lead transfer contains critical new information that shows the effects on infants and families. Week-by-week brain development in unborn and newborn children is demonstrated, explaining lead’s damage potential at each stage and how that household sources and surroundings—including soil, plumbing, imported canned goods, and house dust—are outlined and simple precautions that can reduce or minimize exposure are discussed. With an awareness that has allowed a generation of injured children to be born, and empowers the reader to break this destructive cycle.
Joanna Cerazy was born in Eastern Europe during the Cold War period. Determined to live a free life in a free world, she left her native Poland. Before immigrating to Canada, she spent a few years in Greece.
Joanna has an extensive background in European and world literature. She has taught both regular and special education in primary, elementary and secondary school contexts. She currently works as a special education consultant. Joanna Cerazy has led and actively participated in several major educational research projects. Recent research includes the skills and knowledge for inclusive education, teacher preparation and special education policy.
Joanna lives in British Columbia, Canada with her husband and her two sons.
