In a new study published in the journal Environmental Health Perspectives, researchers investigated women’s exposure to the heavy metal lead and compared it to when they went through menopause. After looking at more than 430 women, they found those with the highest lead exposure reported going through menopause more than a year earlier than those with the lowest lead levels. Women with the highest levels also faced a much higher chance of completing early menopause before age 45. That might not seem like a big deal, but early menopause is linked with serious health problems, including a higher risk of heart disease. Lead is toxic and has been linked to brain damage, developmental problems in children, cancer, fatigue, and high blood pressure. Luckily, you can take some steps to lessen your exposure. Here are some ways to help get lead out of your life:
Have a professional remediate any old paint in your home containing lead.Avoid fake leather purses and products (red and yellow paints on “pleather” are often contaminated with lead).Limit apple juice consumption, since some reports have found lead in the beverage. Eat an apple instead.Have your tap water tested for lead, and look for a filter certified to remove it if lead is detected.
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