Lead poisoning
Lead poisoning is a condition where there is too much lead in the body. Lead interferes with many processes. It is toxic to many organs and tissues, including the bones and brain. The half-life of lead in these tissues is measured in weeks for blood, months for soft tissues, and years for bone.[1] Lead in the bones, teeth, hair, and nails is bound tightly and not available to other tissues, and is generally thought not to be harmful.[2] In adults, 94% of absorbed lead ends up in the bones and teeth, but children only store 70% in this way, a fact which may partially account for the more serious health effects on children.[3]
In 2013, lead is believed to have resulted in 853,000 deaths worldwide[4]
Causes[change | change source]
The risk of lead poisoning is very small in developed countries.[5] However, lead might be used in paints, petrol or food containers in some countries where it might be legal, such as in developing countries. Other ways a person can be exposed is[5] from:
- lead pipes
- a lead water tank
- pipework with lead fittings
Causing the water supply to be contaminated.
Symptoms[change | change source]
Symptoms of lead poisoning include coughing, fatigue, and severe dehydration.
Exposure to lead can be harmful especially to unborn babies and young children. Infants and young children absorb a bigger percentage of lead from sources than adults.[5] The signs and symptoms in young children can include:[5]
- irritability and fatigue
- loss of appetite and weight loss
- abdominal pain
- vomiting
- constipation
- hearing loss
- developmental delay and learning difficulties
Although children are at increased risk of the effects of lead poisoning, exposure can also result in illness in adults. Symptoms in adults can include:[5]
- high blood pressure
- abdominal pain
- constipation
- joint and muscle pain
- pain, numbness or tingling of the extremities (like the fingers and toes)
- headache
- miscarriage or premature birth in pregnant women
- fatigue
- memory loss
Treatment[change | change source]
Treatment of the condition is usually to remove the source of lead. Animals sometimes from lead poisoning. Mostly, children are at risk for this condition.
References[change | change source]
- ↑ "Lead encephalopathy due to traditional medicines". 2008.
{{cite journal}}: Cite journal requires|journal=(help) - ↑ "Environmental and nutritional pathology". Rubin's Pathology: Clinicopathologic Foundations of Medicine (5th ed.). Lippincott Williams & Wilkins. 2008. p. 266. ISBN 978-0-7817-9516-6.
- ↑ "A critical review of biomarkers used for monitoring human exposure to lead: advantages, limitations, and future needs". December 2005.
{{cite journal}}: Cite journal requires|journal=(help) - ↑ "Lead poisoning". www.who.int. Retrieved 2024-05-25.
- ↑ 5.0 5.1 5.2 5.3 5.4 "https://www.nhsinform.scot/illnesses-and-conditions/infections-and-poisoning/lead-poisoning/". NHS inform - Scot. 2024.
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