Clinical
Indications |
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Lead
poisoning is a preventable condition that results from
environmental exposure to lead. This exposure can result in
permanent health damage, especially among children.In the UK
the main sources of lead exposure are air-borne lead (from
industrial sources and from the use of lead in petrol),
water-borne lead (where lead dissolves readily from lead
piping or from lead solder in water pipes, sometimes found in
pre-1970s buildings), and occupational and hobby exposure
(e.g. plumbers and stained glass artists).
Lead
poisoning can affect almost all parts of the body, including
the central nervous system, kidneys, and reproductive organs.
It commonly causes weakness and abdominal discomfort and less
often causes abdominal pain, vomiting, constipation, foot and
wrist drop and anaemia. In children especially, it impairs
cognitive development, which can lead to learning disabilities
and behavioural problems. At very high levels, it can even
result in hallucinations, coma, seizures, and death.
Screening:
Adults who work in industries known for lead exposure, for
example plumbers, lead miners, shipbuilders, construction
workers, demolition workers and pottery manufacturers should
be screened for lead exposure. Adults who have hobbies that
involve lead-based paints, ceramics, soldering etc should also
be tested.
Diagnosis:
Symptoms, including fatigue, changes in mood, nausea,
headache, tremors, weight loss, or decreased libido, may be
due to lead poisoning. The test may also be useful in investigation
of patients for peripheral neuropathy, anaemia, reproductive
failure, encephalopathy, or memory loss, which are symptoms of
lead poisoning.
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