Lead is a heavy metall that can be absorbed
by the body, primarily through the lungs and stomach. Lead
poisoning occurs only when too much lead accumulates in the
body. Left untreated, lead poisoning can damage many internal
organs, including the kidney, nervous system and brain. Common
sources of lead exposure in children are Lead-based paint,
Old window glaze, eating clay or soil, lead gasoline fumes
etc. Symptoms of lead poisoning are decreased appetite, stomach
aches, sleeplessness, Learning problems, Constipation, Vomiting,
diarrhea, fatigue, Lowered I.Q. and pallor. Diagnosis is by
blood tests to check for lead levels in the blood. If the
levels are too high, treatment in the form of lead chelators
(agents that bind to lead and are excreted in the urine) can
be started. However, prevention of lead exposure is the most
important aspect of the treatment.
