Lead (plumbum; Pb) is a heavy metal found in the body in small amounts. All forms of lead are toxic (poisonous).
It can be absorbed through the respiratory tract, the gastrointestinal tract, and the (mucous) skin.
Acute poisoning can be distinguished from chronic poisoning.
In acute lead poisoning, the following symptoms may occur:
- Respiratory disturbances
- Gastroenterocolitis – inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract.
- Colic
- Hemolysis – destruction of erythrocytes (red blood cells).
- Hepatic coma (liver failure)
- Paresis (paralysis)
Chronic lead poisoning may cause the following symptoms:
- Hypochromic sideroachrestic anemia (anemia).
- Lead colic
- Circulatory disorders (lead pallor)
- Reduction of intelligence, including frequent emotional disorders or behavioral problems (in children).
- Encephalopathy – pathological changes in the brain.
- Joint pain (“galena”)
- Cachexia
- Cephalgia (headache)
- Fatigue
- Nephropathy – pathological changes in the kidneys leading to functional impairment (“lead shrunken kidney“).
The procedure
Material needed
- EDTA blood
- 24h collection urine
Preparation of the patient
- Not necessary
Disruptive factors
- Not known
Normal values blood – women (of childbearing age), children
Unloaded | <10 μg/dl |
Clinically insignificant load | 10-30 μg/dl |
Potentially toxic | > 100 μg/dl |
Biological occupational tolerance level (BAT): 45 μg/dl
Normal values blood – women (not of childbearing age), men
Unloaded | <10 μg/dl |
Clinically insignificant load | 20-40 μg/dl |
Potentially toxic | > 100 μg/dl |
Biological occupational tolerance level (BAT): 70 μg/dl
Normal values urine
Unloaded | 0.3-1.8 μg/dl |
Potentially toxic | > 25 μg/dl |
Biological occupational tolerance level (BAT): > 25 μg/dl
Indications
- Suspected lead poisoning
Interpretation
Interpretation of lowered values
- Not relevant to disease
Interpretation of elevated values
- Occupational exposure (painting companies; battery manufacturing) – recognition as occupational disease!