Lead Poisoning

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 to give caregivers information about how your body is working. The blood may be taken from your hand, arm, or IV.
  
  
• Urine sample: For this test you need to urinate into a small container. You will be given instructions on how to clean your genital area before you urinate. Do not touch the inside of the cup. Follow instructions on where to place the cup of urine when you are done.
  
  
• 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.
    
    
    • Do not wait until the pain is severe to ask for your medicine. Tell caregivers if your pain does not decrease. The medicine may not work as well at controlling your pain if you wait too long to take it.
      
      
    • Pain medicine can make you dizzy or sleepy. Prevent falls by calling a caregiver when you want to get out of bed or if you need help.
    
    
  • 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.

With treatment, such as chelation therapy, further damage from the exposure may be stopped, but damage that has already occurred may not be reversible.

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. Learn about your health condition and how it may be treated. Discuss treatment options with your caregivers to decide what care you want to receive. You always have the right to refuse treatment.

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The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.

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