How Long Does It Take To Get Lead Poisoning

Exposure Length
- How long does it take to get lead poisoning?
What Is
- What is lead poisoning?
Symptoms
- What are the symptoms of lead poisoning?
Sources and Routes
- What are the sources and routes of lead exposure?
Diagnosis
- How is lead poisoning diagnosed?
Treatment
- How is lead poisoning treated?
Center
- How Long Does It Take to Get Lead Poisoning? Center

How long does it take to get lead poisoning?

Lead poisoning usually happens due to prolonged exposure at home, work or daycare.

Lead poisoning usually takes months or years of exposure to a small amount of lead at home, work or daycare. When exposed to large amounts of lead, it can quickly lead to lead poisoning (acute poisoning).

What is lead poisoning?

Lead poisoning is caused by the accumulation of lead in the body. Even small amounts of lead can cause serious health problems. Small children are more vulnerable to lead poisoning, as lead may affect the developing brain and nerves. This may severely affect mental and physical development. At very high levels, lead poisoning can cause seizures, unconsciousness and even death.

Lead circulates to the brain, liver, kidney and bones and accumulates in the teeth and bones over time. During pregnancy, if there's high lead content in the bones, the fetus may be affected. Lead exposure at any level is harmful, but it is preventable.

What are the symptoms of lead poisoning?

Lead is a naturally occurring toxic metal found in the earth's crust. Excessive lead buildup in the body can cause lead poisoning. Although lead poisoning primarily affects children, it can also prove dangerous in adults. Lead poisoning signs and symptoms include

High blood pressure
Joint and muscle pain
Headache
Difficulties with memories or concentration
Abdominal pain
Mood disorders
Reduced sperm count and abnormal sperm
Miscarriage, stillbirth or premature birth in pregnant women
Pain or tingling in feet
Weakness
Loss of appetite
Constipation
Tiredness
Irritability
Kidney and nervous system damage
Seizures
Unconsciousness
Death

Children are four to five times more likely to absorb lead. They are at the highest risk of lead poisoning, as it affects the physical and mental development in the body. Exposure to low levels of lead can lead to irreversible damage to brain development. The warning signs in children include

Developmental delay
Learning difficulties
Loss of appetite
Irritability
Weight loss
Abdominal pain
Vomiting
Hearing loss
Constipation
Seizures
Laziness and fatigue
Pica (eating things that aren't edible)

In newborns

Premature birth
Significant low birth weight
Slow growth

What are the sources and routes of lead exposure?

People can be exposed to lead through environmental and occupational sources, which may include

Lead-based paints
Mining
Burning fossil fuel
Lead pipes, brass plumbing fixtures and copper pipes soldered with lead
Lead solder in food cans
Lead-contaminated soil released from gasoline or paint settle
Household dust containing lead from the lead paint chips
Glazes in some ceramic or chinaware
Toys and other products
Tiro, an eye cosmetic
Some traditional herbal medicines and folk remedies
Lead bullets at firing ranges
Tamarind used in Mexican candies
Auto repair, battery manufacturing and construction industries

How is lead poisoning diagnosed?

The physician may carry out the following tests to confirm lead poisoning

Physical examination
Blood tests to to measure lead levels in the blood

The physician may also ask the patient about:

Symptoms
Medical history
Potential environmental exposure to lead
Diet
Any learning or behavioral problems especially in children

How is lead poisoning treated?

Treatment of lead poisoning involves

Removing the source of lead
Good nutrition

Before the commencement of treatment, it is necessary to measure the blood lead level. Lower blood lead levels don't require treatment. However, concentrated blood lead levels require treatment. In individuals with severe lead poisoning, the physician may prescribe chelating medicines that bind to lead and pass out through urine. Medications may be given either orally or intravenously, depending on the severity of the lead poisoning. Medicines that get rid of lead also get rid of other vital nutrients. Hence, it is necessary to replenish the lost nutrients with dietary supplements and good nutrition.

After treating the patient, it is necessary to identify the source of lead poisoning and remove it.

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Medically Reviewed on 11/13/2020

References

Medscape Medical Reference

Mayo Clinic

CDC

Cedars Sinai

How Long Does It Take To Get Lead Poisoning

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