Lead is a natural heavy metal that is toxic to humans. Historically, lead exposure came from sources like ceramics and paint, but modern exposure occurs mainly through firearms, ammunition, and certain industrial activities. Lead is absorbed differently depending on the route, and causes neurological and developmental harm especially in children even at low levels. Diagnosis is based on blood levels above certain thresholds or elevated biomarkers in urine. Chelation therapy is used to reduce the body's lead burden in cases of toxicity.

1. Lead
Sources of Occupational Exposure & Toxicology
Lead in the Environment
207Pb) is a natural element, heavy metal, end product of radionuclide decay
Historical Sources of Lead Exposure
Ancient/Premodern History
Modern History
amics
Contemporary Sources of Lead Exposure
Future Sources of Exposure to Lead
unding “litharge”, used in making ferrite ceramic magnets

2. Settings for Lead Exposure
tivities related to firearms and ammunition
Biologically Important Properties of Lead
sulfhydryls
d other calcified tissue
Lead Exposure in Children
Lead Exposure in Adults
common
Cardinal Symptoms of Lead Intoxication
Acute
Children

3. Chronic
Signs of Extreme Lead Toxicity
prognosis for full neurological recovery
Neurological Manifestations of Lead Toxicity
Central/Pediatric
ity
Peripheral/Adult
Anemia and Lead Toxicity

4. NA
Haeme Synthesis and Lead Toxicity
-aminolevulinic acid -ALA in urine
--proporphyrinogen in urine
(free erythrocyte porphyrin), ZPP(Zinc protoporphyrin) tests are based on this
Diagnostic Criteria for Lead Toxicity (CDC)
g/dL
-ALA > 19 mg/L
Toxicokinetics of Lead, I
absorbed by inhalation route
Slow absorption by ingestion, with Fe deficiency
4Pb) much more rapidly absorbed
Management of Lead Exposure Adults
sekeeping
Management of Lead Exposure Children

5. Chelation
cally reducing body burden only 1 - 2 %
Chelation with Succimer
-penicillamine as oral agent since 1991
-penicillamine is the alternative
Every Case of Lead Toxicity is a Failure of Society
Lead toxicity is entirely preventable
This problem should not exist in 2000
A worker exposed to lead represents an insult in the present
A child exposed to lead represents an assault on the future