Lead Poisoning

Lead poisoning symptoms, sources, interactions in the body and tests. 

Lead Poisoning Sources:

• Dolomite, soil, pewter ware, pesticides, make up and hair coloring.
• Paint pigments, ceramics, stained glass and crystal glass production.
• Pipes, drains, and soldering materials.
• Batteries, cable coverings, plumbing, ammunition, and fuel additives.
• Other sources include; PVC plastics, x-ray shielding, newsprint and pencils.

Synergistic for Toxic Lead Uptake/Retention:

• Calcium, iron, zinc, and phosphate deficiencies increase absorption.
• Children and infants have 40% higher absorption.

Antagonistic for Toxic Lead Uptake/Retention:

• Calcium, zinc, and phytate decrease absorption.
• Adequate selenium.

Lead Poisoning Physiological Interactions:

• Lead binds to hemoglobin, deposits in bone, aorta, kidney tubules, brain, adrenal, thyroid, liver.
• Inhibits heme (iron) synthesis, may depress mitochondrial respiratory chain (energy production inside your cells).
• ATP-ases (cellular energy) also affected.

Lead Poisoning Symptoms of Excessive Exposure:

• Microcytic anemia, glycosuria, cognitive dysfunction, anorexia, metallic taste, insomnia, reticulocytosis.
• Target organs include the brain, bone, blood, kidneys, and thyroid gland.

Lead Poisioning Test:

• Heavy Metal Screening Test: inexpensive at home lead poisoning test
• Genova Toxic Elements Urine Test: available from doctors

Return from Lead Poisoning to Lead Toxicity Information

Return from Lead Poisioning to Human Heavy Metal Toxicity Symptoms