Lead poisoning is a risk not only to people who have professional contact with this metal, but also to children. Lead can be found in some toys, as well as in paints, plasticine or crayons. It is for the youngest that lead is the greatest threat, as they are particularly susceptible to all kinds of poisons. What are the causes and symptoms of lead poisoning? What is the treatment?
Lead poisoning (lead)is a medical condition caused by the action of lead - a heavy metal considered to be one of the most dangerous poisons. Lead is widely distributed in nature - it is found in the air, surface and drinking waters, soil, as well as plants and food. The highest concentration of lead in plants (vegetables, cereals, fruit) occurs in highly industrialized regions (in Poland it will be especially Silesia). A feature of lead is that it does not break down and accumulates in the human body. In the past, when lead was widely used, poisoning with this element was quite common. It is rare these days.
Lead poisoning (lead) - causes. Who is most at risk of lead poisoning?
People who have professional contact with this metal are most at risk of lead poisoning, mainly those who work in factories producing crystal glass, batteries, cables, printing fonts, bushings and bearings. Employees of copper and zinc smelters are also at risk.
It is assumed that the toxic dose of lead is about 0.5 g, the lethal dose is 20-50 g.
Lead poisoning can occur through the respiratory system, digestive tract or skin, e.g. through contact with lead paints, contaminated soil, drinking water (still not all lead alloy pipes that supply water to homes have been excluded) from use). Lead can also be found in food stored in containers painted with paints containing this metal, as well as in some toys.
Lead poisoning (lead) - Symptoms
There are two types of lead poisoning - acute and chronic. The former is the result of exposure to high doses of lead ions, and usually affects people who come into professional contact with itmetal. Chronic poisoning with low doses of lead may occur as a result of both occupational and environmental exposure.
At first, acute poisoning may manifest as a sweet taste in the mouth, headaches, constipation or loss of appetite. After some time, these symptoms disappear into vomiting, in addition, blood pressure drops and body temperature drop.
Chronic poisoning, when lead builds up over a long period of time, is mainly characterized by damage to the nervous system, skin, smooth muscles, kidneys and bone marrow.
| Initial symptoms of acute poisoning | Later symptoms of acute lead poisoning | Symptoms of chronic poisoning |
| drooling and a sweet taste in the mouth | vomiting | lead complexion "(yellow-gray discoloration of the skin) |
| headaches | drop in blood pressure | "lead seam" on the gums |
| loss of appetite, nausea | lowering body temperature | weakness |
| constipation | muscle aches | |
| colic abdominal pain (lead colic) | symptoms of nervous system damage, such as hyperesthesia, paresis, headaches and dizziness, severe fatigue with insomnia, memory impairment |
Lead especially dangerous for children
Lead can be found in toys, as well as in crayons, plasticine, paints or glue. The risk of an excessively high concentration of heavy metals concerns especially toys from unreliable sources. That is why you should buy toys in proven places, where the products are certified and have a special mark. This is very important because lead absorption is greatest in childhood (infants can absorb up to 50% of lead from food, dust or contaminated water, while adults only absorb 5-10%). Therefore, in a young body, lead can cause the greatest damage.
Lead poisoning (lead) - first aid
Immediate medical attention is needed in the event of lead poisoning. Until it is obtained, medicinal charcoal can be used.
Lead poisoning (lead) - treatment
In the event of lead poisoning, oral or intravenous EDTA chelation is used. EDTA is a compound that "captures" and removes harmful metals from the body.
If indicated, gastric lavage can be performed with 3% sodium sulfate with plenty of activated charcoal. If you have encephalopathy andacute or chronic renal failure, hemodialysis is indicated. If there are severe intestinal colic, opioids (e.g. codeine) are used.
Lead poisoning (lead) - Effects
Lead may cause renal dysfunction and the development of, ie, renal hypertension. There is a high risk of kidney failure if a person has been exposed to high doses of lead or exposure to high doses has lasted an extended period of time. The same can happen with the liver.
Exposure to lead can lead to renal and hepatic failure and damage to the central nervous system with death.
Lead poisoning can also result in arrhythmias or myocardial infarction.
In turn, disorders of the nervous system after long exposure to lead usually occur in the form of lead neuropathy (damage to the nervous system), the symptoms of which are dementia, irritability, headache, muscle tremors, hallucinations, memory impairment and lack of concentration , convulsions, paralysis, coma. There are indications that lead is associated with the onset and development of Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease.
Bibliography:
1. Krzywy I., Krzywy E., Pastuszak-Gabinowska M., Brodkiewicz A.,Lead - is there anything to fear , "Annales Academiae Medicae Stetinensis - Annals of the Pomeranian Medical Academy in Szczecin" 20102 Dobrakowski M., Kiełtucki J., Wyparło -szystaki M., Kasperczyk S.,Influence of chronic lead poisoning on pathophysiological changes in the digestive system and interactions of lead with selected micronutrients , "Medycyna Środowiskowa - Environmental Medicine ”2013, vol. 16, no. 3