Lead Poisoning

GENERAL INFORMATION:

What is lead poisoning? Lead poisoning, also called plumbism (PLUM-bizm), happens when there is an increased level of lead in the blood. This is one of the most common conditions caused by being exposed to lead in the environment. Lead is often found in many of the things we use, such as paint, batteries, and gasoline fumes. Children are mostly affected because of their habit of putting things in their mouths. Children easily absorb lead into their bodies, which may greatly affect their developing nervous systems. Lead poisoning is also common in people who work with lead.

What causes lead poisoning? Lead poisoning is caused by the accidental inhalation (breathing in) or ingestion (eating) of things containing lead. Frequently being around places that use lead may also cause lead poisoning. The following may increase your chances of having lead poisoning:

• Accidentally eating lead weights, such as those used in fishing, or paint, such as from toys or beds.
  
  
• Frequently doing hobbies that use lead, such as pottery, stained glass making, and iron crafts.
  
  
• Living in old houses or buildings where lead-based paint and lead pipes were used.
  
  
• Working in factories that make batteries or jewelry, gas stations, mines, sewers, metal foundries, and printing presses.

What are the signs and symptoms of lead poisoning? These will depend on how much lead is in the blood and how long one has been exposed. You or your child may have one or more of the following symptoms:

• Abdominal (stomach) pain, constipation (dry, hard stools), or vomiting (throwing up).
  
  
• Headaches or problems thinking, concentrating, and making decisions.
  
  
• Loss of appetite (do not feel like eating) and weight loss.
  
  
• Muscle weakness and growing problems in children.
  
  
• Pale skin color, feeling more tired than usual, and decreased activity.
  
  
• Personality changes, mood swings, and trouble sleeping.
  
  
• Seizures (convulsions) and coma.

How is lead poisoning diagnosed? You may need any of the following:

• Blood tests: You may need blood taken for tests. The blood can be taken from a blood vessel in your hand, arm, or the bend in your elbow. It is tested to see how your body is doing. It can give your caregivers more information about your health condition. You may need to have blood drawn more than once.
  
  
• Urine sample: A sample of your urine is collected and sent to a lab for tests. Your caregiver may give you a special wipe and clean cup. Use the wipe to clean the skin around the opening where you pass urine. Urinate into the clean cup. Put the lid on the cup. Do not touch the inside of the cup or the lid. Give the urine sample to your caregiver.
  
  
• Abdominal x-rays: Abdominal x-rays are pictures of the organs inside your abdomen. Caregivers use these pictures to look for problems such as blocked or ruptured intestines, kidney stones, or solid masses (tumors) in your organs.

How is lead poisoning treated? You or your child may have any of the following:

• Removal of lead source: The main treatment is to remove the source of lead, which helps decrease lead blood levels. Local health departments can tell you about resources to identify and reduce lead in your home or in your community.
  
  
• Chelation therapy: This is done to bind lead in the blood. The bound lead is then turned into substances easily removed through the urine and stool. This may be done more than once until lead blood levels return to normal. The medicines used in this therapy are given by mouth or through the vein (IV). It is important to drink enough fluids during therapy.
  
  
• Medicines:
  
  
  • Iron: This medicine may be given to treat anemia (low red blood cells) which may be caused by lead poisoning
    
    
  • Pain medicine: Caregivers may give you medicine to take away or decrease your pain. Medicine may be given regularly, or may only be given if you ask caregivers for it. Tell caregivers if your pain does not decrease enough for you to feel better. Do not wait to ask for your pain medicine until the pain is very bad. The medicine may not work as well at controlling your pain if you wait too long to take it. Ask your caregiver for help getting out of bed if you feel tired or dizzy.
    
    
  • Steroids: This medicine may be given to treat problems in the brain caused by the lead.
    
    
  • Vitamins and minerals: Calcium, phosphorus, and Vitamin D can help remove lead from the blood.

Where can I find more information? Having lead poisoning may be hard. You and those close to you may feel angry, sad, or frightened. These feelings are normal. Talk to your caregivers, family, or friends about your feelings. Call or write one of the following organizations for more information:

• 24-Hour Nationwide Poison Control Hotline
  National Capital Poison Center
  3201 New Mexico Avenue, Suite 310
  Washington, DC 20016
  Phone: 1-800-222-1222
  Web Address: http://www.poison.org
  

• National Lead Information Center
  422 South Clinton Avenue
  Rochester, NY 14620
  Phone: 1-800-424
  Web Address: http://www.epa.gov/opptintr/lead
  

CARE AGREEMENT:

You have the right to help plan your care. To help with this plan, you must learn about your health condition and how it may be treated. You can then discuss treatment options with your caregivers. Work with them to decide what care may be used to treat you. You always have the right to refuse treatment.

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