Teaching Resource
Paul M. Jones
Overview:
There are many types of disabilities that can affect a child's ability to learn. Most are so uncommon they are not thought of unless they occur, and many go unnoticed. The most debilitating is the disability that could have been avoided. Environmental contaminations can be avoided. Toxins come in all forms and are everywhere waiting for an accident to happen; it is the duty of parents, teachers, and any other person in a child's life to ensure that a simple spill, accident, or unfinished project does not turn into a lifelong disability to a child. Children are the most susceptible to toxins because growing bodies absorb them at a much faster rate, and all poisons work cumulatively, that is build up in the body unnoticed until they are at a level that does damage. Most toxins are stored in the fat cells in the body, and as children have less fat to store in, the reach a harmful level quicker.
Any chemical or compound may contain materials that are toxic to the human body. Paints, thinners, and other finishing products contain Volatile Organic Chemicals (VOC) that directly affects brain function often permanently. Inhalants are probably the most widespread, yet least often thought about toxin. Repeated exposure to common paints can cause permanent damage in very little time. VOC's affect brain function simply by destroying brain tissue, in no particular order or pace; and affect small children the worst. Damage from VOC's is easy to pass off as hyperactivity, myriads of learning disabilities; or may progress to a severe brain damage.
Dust and particulates from insulation and poorly ventilated rooms can easily cause lung problems such as asthma. Asbestos, one of the most harmful particulates is found in old insulation and is still quite widespread. Alarmingly, many schools built at the peak of asbestos use, still have pipes wrapped in asbestos. Asbestos is often misunderstood as a toxic material. It is not toxic, but in its natural form it forms miniscule fibers that remain in the air for a long time and can be easily inhaled. The fibers are sharp and needle-shaped and embed in the lung linings. Irritations form as the body attempts to heal over the fiber and these irritations can form complications such as asbestosis, mesothelioma, and even cancer. Asbestos is still in use today, though Government regulations have been formed to contain it in certain areas, and require full abatement in areas such as school, public buildings and homes. Asbestos use is still common despite it's harmful effects because it is such an efficient insulator and many times more heat resistant the best synthetics that have been discovered.
Lead Poisoning is the contaminant that we, as educators, should be most concerned about. It is tasteless, odorless, and everywhere. It knows no class, race, or age, but like most toxins affects children the most. Lead exposure is often considered an inner-city problem, but studies done on rural communities show that children are often more likely to be around lead in a very rural setting. African American children have shown a higher lead-blood level than white children for the same amount of exposure but there is not yet an explanation for this slight variance. Any child living in an old home is at risk. About two-thirds of the homes built before 1940, and one-half of the homes built from 1940 to 1960 contain lead-based paint. Some homes built after 1960 but before 1978 may also contain lead paint. Most paint made after 1978 contains no intentionally added lead, since it was banned from use on the interior and exterior of homes. Not only does less of a toxin do greater damage to a smaller person, but children retain up to 50 percent of the lead they contact, while adults retain about 10. It is unavoidable as lead is everywhere, but through education, exposure and lead-blood levels are declining.
Educators may have to deal with the results of an environmental contaminant or poisoning. Most cases of toxic exposure yield no effect, but many of the common learning disabilities and mild cases of mental retardation can be a result of contamination. Whatever the case, the needs of the student must be met, and it is far easier to make the students, teachers, parents , and administrators aware of the environmental hazards students are likely to come onto contact before poisoning and disabilities occur. There are far too many toxins to list that are hazards to the human body to the point causing repercussions that will affect a child's ability to learn. Everyone should be aware of possible toxins surrounding them. Any substance in question should be inquired about. All teachers should become familiar with Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS, see below), and other informative publications.
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