Lead poisoning is an illness caused by excess lead in the body. It may result from swallowing objects that contain lead or from inhaling lead dust or fumes. Some forms of lead can be absorbed through the skin.
Lead poisoning afflicts many children who eat chips of or inhale dust from dried paint that has a high lead content. Such paint is found in many older homes. Many municipal water systems make use of lead pipes or pipes fitted with lead solder. When the pipes corrode, lead may be released into drinking water. Lead poisoning also strikes adults who work in smelting, battery manufacturing, and other industries that use lead. Such industries may pollute the environment with lead dust and fumes, which may cause poisoning in people who live near the plants. Another source of lead pollution is exhaust from machines that use leaded gasoline.
Lead can slowly build up in the body over time without causing symptoms. Health problems can develop as lead levels in the body increase. A single high dose of lead can cause severe symptoms. Lead interferes with the production of red blood cells and may damage the liver and other organs. It is especially damaging to the nervous system and brain cells. Symptoms of lead poisoning include headaches, irritability, and weakness. Many victims experience abdominal pain, vomiting, and constipation, a group of symptoms sometimes called painter’s colic or lead colic. In severe cases, victims may have convulsions, enter a coma, and become paralyzed. Such cases may be fatal.
Lead is much more harmful to children than adults. In the late 1970’s, researchers found that even small amounts of lead absorbed by the body over a long period can harm a child’s developing nervous system and brain. Although such absorption does not cause physical illness, it can damage a child’s brain and result in learning difficulties.
Physicians can detect lead poisoning by testing samples of a person’s urine or blood and by taking X rays of the bones. If the illness is detected early, permanent damage may be prevented. Doctors recommend that children between 1 and 6 years old who may have been exposed to lead be tested for lead poisoning at least once a year.
Physicians treat lead poisoning with drugs that help the body discharge lead through the urine. Treatment may last several months. Many cases of lead poisoning can be prevented by reducing the amount of lead in the environment. The United States government bans lead-based paint for household use, restricts it in certain other products, and regulates its use in industry. The United States began phasing out leaded gasoline in the 1970’s. Many cities are replacing lead water pipes or treating drinking water so that it does not corrode the pipes. The government also sets air quality standards that limit the amount of lead that can be released into the air.
See also Patterson, Clair Cameron.
