Lead Poisoning: Exposure Routes, Vulnerable Populations, and Health Effects
Exposure Pathways
- Ingestion: Lead-based paint chips/dust (pre-1978 housing), contaminated soil, water from lead pipes/solder, imported spices/cosmetics, ceramics.
- Inhalation: Leaded gasoline (phased out), smelting, battery recycling, welding, indoor shooting ranges.
- Dermal: Minimal absorption; organic lead (tetraethyl lead) can penetrate skin.
High-Risk Groups
- Children <6 yrs (hand-to-mouth, higher GI absorption, developing CNS).
- Pregnant women (placental transfer).
- Workers in lead industries.
Health Effects
- Neurodevelopmental: IQ loss, ADHD, executive dysfunction.
- Hematologic: Microcytic anemia (inhibits heme synthesis).
- Renal: Proximal tubule dysfunction, hypertension.
- Cardiovascular: Increased CVD mortality.
- Reproductive: Reduced fertility, miscarriage.
Prevention
Lead-safe housing, water testing, occupational hygiene, nutritional adequacy (iron, calcium reduce absorption).
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