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Written by Phillip LaVeque
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Friday, 23 October 2009 |
Lead is a metal found in the environment. If a person is exposed to large amounts of lead, poisoning may occur.
What is going on in the body?
Lead is not natural within the body and is not required in the diet. Because of technology, however, lead exposure has become fairly common. This exposure can lead to increased levels of lead in the body, which may cause harm.
What are the causes and risks of the condition?
A person can be exposed to lead from the following sources:
# leaded gasoline
# car exhaust
# paint made before 1978
# industrial lead exposure
# burning batteries
# poorly glazed ceramic objects, which may be used to store beverages
The people most commonly affected by lead poisoning are children. Children who live in old buildings with lead paint that is peeling or dissolving are at high risk. Lead dust or paint chips from lead paints may be breathed into the lungs or eaten.
Though quite rare today, severe lead poisoning can cause death. Other risks are the long-term damage lead poisoning may cause in the brain, nerves, and kidneys.
What are the treatments for the condition?
The most important treatment is stopping the source of lead exposure. For more severe poisoning, medications may be needed to help remove lead from the body. Chelation is a procedure that helps bind the lead and remove it from the body. Life-threatening lead poisoning, which is rare, requires treatment in a hospital.
What are the side effects of the treatments?
Stopping lead exposure may involve major life changes and expense. For example, changing jobs, moving, or repairing the home or apartment may be needed.
All medications have side effects. The medications used to decrease lead in the body may cause allergic reactions and stomach upset. Other side effects depend on the specific medication used.
What happens after treatment for the condition?
<br>If caught early and treated correctly, lead poisoning may require no further treatment. Continued monitoring is advised in all cases, however. If caught late or not treated, the lead poisoning may cause permanent body damage. This may require ongoing treatment, such as psychiatric care.
How is the condition monitored?
Repeat blood tests are used to follow the lead level until it is normal. Other monitoring depends on whether the body has been harmed in some way.
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