Lead Poisoning

2024 Author: Rachel Wainwright | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-15 07:39

Lead poisoning is chronic and poses a serious threat to human life and health.

Lead is a heavy metal, the salts of which are toxic to living organisms. It has been widely used in industry for many years, which has become one of the causes of environmental pollution in many regions. The greatest pollution of the environment with lead occurs in the process of ore mining, smelting, processing of secondary raw materials.

Previously, this metal was used in the production of leaded gasoline and paints. Currently, in most countries, including Russia, legislation prohibits the use of lead and its chemical compounds in the manufacture of industrial and household goods (fabrics, varnishes, paints) and in agriculture. This made it possible to significantly reduce the incidence of lead poisoning in the general statistics of diseases.

Source: depositphotos.com

How does the poisoning happen

Lead belongs to a group of poisons that disrupt the structure and function of protein molecules in cells. It binds to disulfide protein groups, resulting in a violation of the tertiary structure of the protein, its denaturation. This becomes the cause of cell death and the development of an inflammatory process in the tissues.

Inorganic lead compounds enter the human body either through the digestive system or by inhalation (through the respiratory system). Organic lead compounds have the ability to be absorbed through the skin.

In the gastrointestinal tract, approximately 10% of the dose of lead salts received is absorbed. The absorption rate is different for each person and depends on a number of factors. For example, a deficiency in the body of elements such as zinc, calcium or iron increases the absorption of lead.

The kidneys of an adult are capable of excreting about 100 micrograms of lead in the urine every day. At the same time, during the day with water and food, a person living in an ecologically unfavorable area receives about 150 μg of lead. Excess of this metal is deposited in various organs and tissues, causing pathological changes in them.

Approximately 5% of all lead in the body accumulates in red blood cells - erythrocytes. About 90% penetrates into the bone tissue and is deposited in hydroxyapatite crystals; in this form, lead is inactive. The remaining amount of metal is concentrated in the kidney and nervous tissue.

Poisoning symptoms

Lead intoxication leads to its gradual accumulation in tissues and the development of chronic poisoning. Most often, such poisoning is observed in people who work for a long time in hazardous chemical industries.

Initially, lead poisoning occurs without any noticeable symptoms and its presence can only be detected by the results of laboratory tests of blood and urine. So, in the blood of the victims, a significant decrease in hemoglobin and an increase in the number of reticulocytes, basophilic granular erythrocytes are found. In the urine, there is an increased content of lead, as well as porphyrins, which is associated with a significant destruction of hemoglobin molecules.

In the future, patients show signs of lead poisoning:

a lilac-gray coloration of the edge of the gums, called a lead border, which is the result of a chemical reaction between lead in saliva and hydrogen sulfide in the mouth;
pallor of the skin associated with anemia;
hyperpigmentation resulting from an increased content of porphyrins, which can change the photodynamic properties of the skin;
"Lead" colic - periodically arising intense cramping pains in the abdomen;
constipation, up to the development of intestinal obstruction;
nausea, lack of appetite;
impaired coordination of movements (ataxia);
violation of thought processes and memory;
constant headaches, dizziness, fainting;
insomnia;
irritability, outbursts of uncontrollable rage.

In severe lead poisoning, the patient develops a pronounced tremor of the upper and lower extremities, epileptic seizures appear, and cerebral edema increases.

Source: depositphotos.com

First aid for lead poisoning

Lead poisoning is chronic, so there is no need to provide the patient with first aid. If you suspect lead salt poisoning, you should consult a doctor.

When is medical attention needed?

Lead poisoning is a serious threat to life and health, therefore it is very important that a toxicologist treats it. The earlier therapy begins, the higher the chance of avoiding the development of irreversible disorders in the body.

The main method of treatment is the use of chelators (Dimercaprol, Kuprimin, EDTA). They are prescribed in a course of no more than five days. If the need for further treatment remains, then after 48 hours the next course is started. The mechanism of action of complexing drugs is that they form stable and inactive compounds with lead, which are then excreted naturally through the kidneys and intestines. To accelerate elimination, patients are prescribed diuretics.

With severe constipation, cleansing enemas are indicated. A siphon enema may be required if necessary. The use of laxatives in case of lead poisoning is categorically contraindicated, especially in the presence of "lead" colic!

With severe intestinal colic, patients are injected subcutaneously with a solution of Atropine sulfate. Warm baths and a heating pad help to relieve pain in the abdomen, but thermal procedures for pain in the abdomen can only be used as directed by a doctor.

Possible consequences

Lead poisoning leads to the formation of syndromes:

bone;
cerebral (cerebral);
neuromuscular;
asthenovegetative;
abdominal;
anemic;
nephrotic.

As a result, the victims have persistent anemia, weight loss, tremors, polyneuropathy, osteoporosis, decreased intelligence, deterioration of kidney function and other disorders.

In case of severe poisoning, death is possible.

The prognosis of lead poisoning is always serious, since even timely and complete treatment does not always lead to recovery.

Prevention

All employees of industrial enterprises using lead in production must undergo a medical examination at least once a year, which includes consultations with a dentist, neuropathologist, and therapist. Blood and urine tests are required every three months.

For the prevention of lead poisoning, an employee is recommended to regularly eat fermented milk products and foods rich in pectin substances (apricots, cabbage, apples).

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Elena Minkina Doctor anesthesiologist-resuscitator About the author

Education: graduated from the Tashkent State Medical Institute, specializing in general medicine in 1991. Repeatedly passed refresher courses.

Work experience: anesthesiologist-resuscitator of the city maternity complex, resuscitator of the hemodialysis department.

The information is generalized and provided for informational purposes only. At the first sign of illness, see your doctor. Self-medication is hazardous to health!