lead poisoning

Introduction

children are most at risk as lead is absorbed at a faster rate compared to adults and their faster growth and development makes them more susceptible

lead plumbing pipes were widely used in western cities from the late 1800s
toxicity risks became known in the early 1900s
partly as infants often bit and chewed on the painted cot sides, lead paint was gradually banned in western regions from 1960's and particularly by late 1970's although Australia only tightened rules to prohibit > 0.1% lead in paint in 1992
in the late 1980's, many western countries banned lead in the use of lead pipes, solder (over 0.2% lead), and flux in public water systems and residential/non-residential plumbing but existing systems in older homes have still not be fully replaced

pain, muscle weakness, paraesthesia, and, rarely, symptoms associated with encephalitis.
metallic taste
abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, and constipation, large ingestions may cause shock due to GIT losses
haemolysis
acute kidney injury (AKI) / acute renal failure (ARF)
survivors may develop chronic lead poisoning symptoms

loss of short-term memory or concentration, depression, nausea, abdominal pain, loss of coordination, and numbness and tingling in the extremities
fatigue, problems with sleep, headaches, stupor, slurred speech, and anemia
blue line along the gum, with bluish black edging to the teeth, known as Burton line
hyperkinetic or aggressive behavior disorders in children
permanent mental retardation in children
FBE may show may reveal basophilic stippling of red blood cells
bood lead levels are an indicator mainly of recent or current lead exposure, not of total body burden.
a radiographic sign of elevated lead levels is the presence of radiodense lines called lead lines at the metaphysis in the long bones of growing children, especially around the knees.