Lead Exposure Path Exam 5

Urban Air

Water (plumbing

House Dust (paint contamination)

Lead-Glazed Ceramics

Food (lead solder in cans)

Imported from Mexico (candy wrappers)

Target Shooting

Lead Soldiers

Stored:

  • bone
  • teeth

1/2 life = 30 years

PATHOGENESIS

Compete for Ca ions

  • Bone issues
  • Nerve transmission deficits
  • Brain development deficits

Hemolysis of RBCs

  • Inhibits membrane-assoc. enzymes
  • Renal damage
  • Uric acid retention

Impaired Vit D Metabolism

Inhibits 2 Enzymes in Heme Synthesis

  • Ferrochelatase
  • Gamma-Aminolevulinic Acid Dehydratase

Microcytic, Hypochromic Sideroblastic Anemia


  • Course, Basophilic Stippling = small aggregates of RNA

Aminolevulinic Acid (urine)
Protoproporphyrin (blood)

Interfers w/ normal epiphyseal plate remodeling

Inhibits healing of fractures

Tests:

  • CBC not diagnostic
  • Long-bone radiograph ➡ lead-containing foreign body

SOURCES OF LEAD POISONING