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Diagnosis, Evaluation, and Treatment of Lead Poisoning in General Population

Indian Journal of Clinical Biochemistry volume 26, pages 197–201 (2011)Cite this article

Abstract

Among the heavy metals, lead still remains the major toxic pollutant of the environment. Human exposure to lead can occur through numerous pathways including air, food, dust, soil, and water. In the present study 14 lead poisoned patients with non-occupational lead exposure were evaluated. They were followed up and compared against the controls with no history of lead exposure. The patients had high blood lead levels and symptoms of weakness, dizziness, abdominal pain, generalized body ache, loss of appetite, and anxiety. Repeated course of chelation therapy helped to bring down their body burden of lead. Alternative sources for lead exposure can cause severe lead poisoning in general population. Screening and medical management of such individuals is very important to identify and eliminate sources of lead. The treatment and management requires a thorough medical evaluation and environmental intervention.

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Affiliations

  1. Department of Biotechnology, MLSC, Manipal University, Manipal, India

    Herman Sunil D’souza

  2. Department of Occupational Therapy, Manipal College of Allied Health Sciences, Manipal University, Manipal, India

    Sebestina Anita Dsouza

  3. St. John’s Medical College, Bangalore, India

    Geraldine Menezes & Thuppil Venkatesh

Authors
  1. Herman Sunil D’souza
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  2. Sebestina Anita Dsouza
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  3. Geraldine Menezes
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  4. Thuppil Venkatesh
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Correspondence to Herman Sunil D’souza.

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D’souza, H.S., Dsouza, S.A., Menezes, G. et al. Diagnosis, Evaluation, and Treatment of Lead Poisoning in General Population. Ind J Clin Biochem 26, 197–201 (2011). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12291-011-0122-6

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12291-011-0122-6

Keywords

  • Lead exposure
  • Blood lead level
  • Chelation
  • ZPP
  • d-penicillamine