Toxicity and The Causes of Lead Poisoning
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Lead poisoning is defined as an unusually high level of heavy metals found in one’s body. Other names for lead poisoning include plumbism, saturism, painter’s colic and Devon colic. Because lead is known to interfere with a variety of processes within the body, it is highly toxic to most organs and extremely toxic to children. Symptoms of lead poisoning include irritability, abdominal pain and headaches. In severe cases lead poisoning can also cause a coma, seizures and even death.
Exposure to Lead
Lead is commonly found in various areas. It can be inhaled through air pollution, in household dust, in the soil and in the water of areas using lead in any industrial process. It is also found in common household products. There have been many cases of children being exposed to lead and having higher concentrations of lead in their body through eating paint that contains lead. Older homes are more prone to have a lead based paint used on their walls, increasing the likelihood of lead poisoning in that setting.
Symptoms of Lead Toxicity
Because lead interferes with the processes within the body, it can build to a toxic level quickly. Lead toxicity in children shows a high likelihood of interference with neurological function, creating permanent behavioral problems and other psychological conditions. Symptoms of lead toxicity found in adults follow the same pattern as children but without the developmental issues associated with exposure for a young child. Additionally, lead toxicity has been linked to reproductive problems in men and women, cardiac disorders, kidney failure and may cause problems within the central nervous system.
Diagnosis and Treatment
Most cases of lead poisoning or lead toxicity is determined by a blood sample. The blood is drawn and the lead levels are determined. People with high lead levels are determined to have been exposed to lead. In addition, once the diagnosis of high lead levels is determined, it is important that the time and place of exposure to the lead is ascertained. If the exposure occurred in one’s home, it is important to locate and remove the source so as to reduce the risk of further exposure as well as exposure to others entering the home. Treatment will involve removing the source of the lead contamination. If the level of lead is extremely high, it is recommended that the patients undergo chelation therapy which involves additives of zinc, calcium and iron to assist with the absorption of lead and help reduce the lead found in the body.
Goldberg & Osborne, a personal injury law firm, has provided this article for informational purposes only, written by an independent author, and has not reviewed or edited this article and is not responsible for its content or accuracy.
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