{"id":98,"date":"2012-12-16T12:41:19","date_gmt":"2012-12-16T12:41:19","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.health-care-clinic.org\/blog\/?p=98"},"modified":"2012-12-16T12:41:19","modified_gmt":"2012-12-16T12:41:19","slug":"lead-poisoning","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.health-care-clinic.org\/blog\/lead-poisoning\/","title":{"rendered":"Lead Poisoning"},"content":{"rendered":"

Lead interferes with several vital enzyme activities if it is chronically inhaled or ingested in sufficient quantity to accumulate in the blood. Developing fetuses, infants, and young children are most vulnerable to damage from lead; even small amounts can cause harm. Some 2 million preschool children are afflicted by varying degrees of lead poisoning in the United States each year. Severe childhood lead poisoning can cause neurological and kidney damage, anemia, and even death. Moderate poisoning can produce stomach upsets, vomiting, convulsions, an abnormal walk, headaches, irritability, hyperactivity, learning and behavioral disorders’ delayed mental development, and perhaps retardation. In adults, toxic levels of the metal can do extensive damage, especially to the nervous system and kidneys. Its symptoms include high blood pressure, headache, loss of appetite, intestinal upset, memory loss, an impaired gait, and a metallic taste in the mouth. During pregnancy, lead poisoning can cause miscarriage, severe congenital defects, or death of the fetus. Although laws now ban lead in gasoline and other products, large amounts still remain in the environment.<\/p>\n

Paint<\/strong><\/p>\n

Before 1971, lead was used in most paints. Toddlers may eat chips of old paint from peeling walls or inhale lead dust when walls are scraped or sanded. Youngsters may also chew on lead painted toys and furniture.<\/p>\n

Drinking Water<\/strong><\/p>\n

Lead can leach from plumbing and brass fittings, especially if water is hot or naturally corrosive.<\/p>\n

Leaded Glassware Ceramics And China Dishes<\/strong><\/p>\n

Foreign imports or U.S. products made before 1971 may contain problematic amounts of the metal.<\/p>\n

Soil<\/strong><\/p>\n

Lead from water and other sources can accumulate in soil, posing a hazard to children who play in it.<\/p>\n

Manufacturing Processes And Miscel Laneous Products<\/strong><\/p>\n

Emissions from can manufacturing plants, foundries, and smelters may contain lead. Less potent sources include food from cans sealed with lead, lead foil at the tops of wine bottles, and antique pewter.<\/p>\n

Diagnostic Studies And Procedures<\/h2>\n

A simple blood test detects the presence of lead. Many states now require pediatricians and health clinics to screen young children for lead levels. Testing is recommended when a child develops any of the symptoms listed earlier. Some obstetricians advise women planning to become pregnant to have a blood test for lead exposure.<\/p>\n

Medical Treatments<\/h2>\n

Moderate lead poisoning can be treated with an oral chelating drug, such as succimer, that binds to the lead, which is then excreted in the urine. The pills must be taken for 19 days and may cause a rash, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and a metallic taste in the mouth. Severe lead poisoning requires taking one or more intravenous drugs, usually dimercaprol (BAL) and calcium disodium EDTA. Regimens vary, but the medication is usually given several times a day for five to seven days, and the therapy is repeated every two to three weeks until blood tests are normal.<\/p>\n

Alternative Therapies<\/h2>\n

Chelation is the only effective therapy However, because it may also remove other metals from the body, zinc and iron supplements may be needed to restore these minerals.<\/p>\n

Self Treatment<\/h2>\n

There are several measures you can take to prevent lead exposure.<\/p>\n