Adult Chronic Lead Intoxication

Chronic lead poisoning by lead shots and augmentation of facial soft tissue defect with Alloderm dermal graft

“…Lead concentrations in teeth and hair have been used as indicators of long-term exposure, but the information is inadequate for assessing their usefulness and reliability. The second, smaller compartment or exchangeable compartment (blood, soft tissue, and rapidly exchangeable bone fraction) has a half-life of about 20 days [2].…”

“…Chronic poisoning is usually due to the accumulation of small quantities of lead in the body by inhalation, ingestion, or skin absorption [2]. The chronic effects of lead poisoning are on hematopoietic system, nervous system, gastrointestinal tract, kidney, liver, cardiovascular system and endocrine organs.…”

“…These consist of intense interstitial fibrosis, tubular atrophy, and dilatation [14]. The possible effects of lead on endocrine organs in children with lead poisoning include impairment of thyroid and adrenal function [2]. Although there is no evidence that lead is carcinogenic in humans, benign and malignant tumors caused by lead have been reported in experimental animals [12].…”

“…Water and wine are the sources of lead intake via ingestion, and smoking, air pollution, and painting are the sources of lead intake via inhalation. Additionally, some occupations are known to have greater risk in terms of lead poisoning via inhalation [2,8,15]. Lead intake by drinking water does not generally exceed 50 mg/day.…”

“…Recorded concentrations of lead in the air were reported to rise up to 2 mg/m 3 during this procedure. Other occupations with possible lead exposure include ship breaking and welding, printing alkaloid manufacture, plastic production, and the rubber hose industry [2,8,15]. Lead poisoning due to indoor pistol shooting has been also reported [17].…”