Sunday, February, 12, 2012

Lead poisoning

Table of Contents

See: Poison control center - emergency number


What to expect at the emergency room

Except in severe cases where someone has received a high dose of lead, a trip to the emergency room is not necessary. Contact your health care provider or department of public health if you suspect possible low-level lead exposure.

A blood lead test can help identify whether a problem exists. Over 10 micrograms per deciliter (mcg/dL) is a definite concern. Levels between 2- 10 mcg/dL should be discussed with your doctor. In many states, blood screening is recommended for young children at risk.

Other lab tests may include:

  • Bone marrow biopsy
  • Complete blood count (CBC) and coagulation studies
  • Erythrocyte protoporphyrin
  • Iron level
  • X-ray of the long bones and abdomen

For children whose blood levels of lead are moderately high, the steps are to identify all major sources of lead exposure and keep the child away from them. Follow-up blood testing may be needed.

Chelation therapy is a procedure that can remove high levels of lead that have built up in a person's body over time.

In cases where someone has potentially eaten a high toxic dose of lead in a short period of time, the following treatments might be done:

  • Bowel irrigation with polyethylene glycol solution
  • Gastric lavage

Expectations (prognosis)

Adults who have had mildly high lead levels often recover without problems. In children, even mild lead poisoning can have a permanent impact on attention and IQ.

People with higher lead levels have a greater risk of long-lasting health problems. They must be followed carefully.

Their nerves and muscles can be greatly affected and may no longer function as well as they should. Other body systems may be harmed to various degrees, such as the kidneys and blood vessels. People who survive toxic lead levels may have some permanent brain damage. Children are more vulnerable to serious long-term problems.

A complete recovery from chronic lead poisoning may take months to years.


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Review Date: 02/02/2011
Reviewed By: Eric Perez, MD, Department of Emergency Medicine, St. Luke's-Roosevelt Hospital Center, New York, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org)