Lead vapor poisoning

One common type of poisoning is heavy metal intoxication.

Causes of the lead vapor poisoning

Lead vapor poisoning can occur as a result of inhaling lead fumes or lead compounds. The following are some common causes of lead vapor poisoning:

1. Industrial Processes: Lead poisoning can occur as a result of working in facilities that use lead compounds or materials such as lead paint, light alloys, or lead smelting. It may be associated with activities in the metal, chemical, construction, or automotive industries.
2. Construction and renovation: Work involving demolition of old buildings, repair of machinery or automobiles may release lead fumes from old paint, enamels, soldering, and other sources.
3. Household and household materials: Some household products may contain lead or lead compounds, such as old paints, varnishes, enamels, pottery with high lead content, lead batteries, and household crafts involving the use of lead (e.g., soldering).
4. Working with waste and recycling: People who sort waste, recycle scrap metal, or work in landfills may be exposed to inhalation of lead vapors from various wastes or materials.
5. Working with hunting or shooting equipment: There is also a risk of lead poisoning when using and maintaining hunting or shooting equipment such as tin bullets or primer cartridges.

In general, any activity involving the use or handling of lead or its compounds can create a risk of lead vapor poisoning. This is particularly important in inadequately ventilated or poorly equipped workplaces.

Symptoms of the lead vapor poisoning

Symptomatology is manifested when blood lead levels rise above 800-100 µg/L of biological fluid. Acute exposure to vapors or dust of the substance causes these symptoms:

• Headache and dizziness.
• Acute abdominal pain.
• Disorders of memory and consciousness.
• Anemia.
• Peripheral nephropathy with demyelination of long neurons.

Subclinical chronic lead exposure deserves special attention. In this case, the concentration of toxin in the blood increases gradually with periods of decrease. Most often with this type of poisoning is faced by people working in chemical industries. The pathological condition has the following signs:

• Kidney disorders.
• Increased blood pressure.
• Encephalopathy.
• Disorders of the peripheral nervous system.

Treatment of the lead vapor poisoning

Treatment is aimed at eliminating contact with vapors or dust that contain lead. The victim is prescribed drugs that block the effects of metal on the body and promote its elimination. The course of treatment depends on the severity of the lesion.

Inpatient treatment is aimed at providing symptomatic relief to the victim and removing lead from the body. Here are some treatments that may be used:

1. Gastric lavage: If a victim has come into contact with lead vapor and poisoning is suspected, doctors may perform a gastric lavage to remove lead residue from the gastrointestinal tract.
2. Use of chelator drugs: In some cases, chelator drugs may be used that bind to heavy metals, including lead, and help remove them from the body. One such drug is calcium edentate (commercially known as Calcium Dynatrium Versenate).
3. Symptomatic treatment: Treatment is aimed at relieving symptoms of poisoning such as headache, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. This may include the use of antiemetics, analgesics and other medications as needed.
4. Medical observation and maintenance of vital functions: The victim may be admitted to a medical facility to monitor their condition and maintain vital functions such as breathing, heart rate and circulation.
5. Provision of oxygen: If the victim is having difficulty breathing due to poisoning, oxygen therapy may be provided to relieve symptoms and increase oxygen levels in the blood.

Forecast

With timely medical attention, the prognosis for recovery is positive.