Department of Radiation Biology and Toxicology, Manipal School of Life Sciences, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, Karnataka, India.
Toxicol Ind Health. 2020 May;36(5):346-355. doi: 10.1177/0748233720928170. Epub 2020 Jun 4.
Lead is a nonessential metal which enters the body through various means and is considered as one of the most common health toxins. Several cases of lead poisoning are reported as a result of inhalation or ingestion of lead in employees working as painters, smelters, electric accumulator manufacturers, compositors, auto mechanics, and miners. In addition to occupational lead exposure, several cases of lead poisoning are reported in the general population through various sources and pathways. Innumerable signs and symptoms of lead poisoning observed are subtle and depend on the extent and duration of exposure. The objective of this review article is to discuss occupationally and nonoccupationally exposed lead poisoning cases reported in India and the associated symptoms, mode of therapy, and environmental intervention used in managing these cases. Lead poisoning cases cannot be identified at an early stage as the symptoms are very general and mimic that of other disorders, and patients might receive only symptomatic treatment. Knowledge about the various symptoms and potential sources is of utmost importance. Medical practitioners when confronted with patients experiencing signs and symptoms as discussed in this article can speculate the possibility of lead poisoning, which could lead to early diagnosis and its management.
铅是一种非必需的金属，通过多种途径进入人体，被认为是最常见的健康毒素之一。有几例报告称，从事画家、冶炼工、蓄电池制造商、排字工、汽车机械师和矿工等职业的员工因吸入或摄入铅而中毒。除了职业性铅暴露外，还有几例报告称，一般人群通过各种来源和途径接触铅而中毒。铅中毒的无数迹象和症状是微妙的，取决于暴露的程度和持续时间。本文的目的是讨论在印度报告的职业性和非职业性铅中毒病例，以及与这些病例相关的症状、治疗模式和环境干预措施。由于症状非常普遍，且与其他疾病相似，铅中毒病例可能无法在早期得到识别，患者可能只接受对症治疗。了解各种症状和潜在来源至关重要。当遇到出现本文所述症状和体征的患者时，医务人员可以推测铅中毒的可能性，从而可以进行早期诊断和治疗。
