Lead and Iron poisoning

Lead Poisoning

Lead poisoning occurs when lead accumulates in the body, often over months or years, leading to toxic effects. It primarily affects the nervous system but can impact various organs.

Sources of Exposure:

• Lead-based paints (especially in older homes)
• Contaminated water (through lead pipes)
• Soil contamination
• Occupational hazards (such as battery manufacturing or smelting)
• Imported toys and products with lead content

Mechanism of Toxicity:

• Absorption: Lead is absorbed into the bloodstream, binds to red blood cells, and gets distributed to organs such as the brain, liver, and kidneys.
• Binding to Proteins: Lead interferes with enzymes and proteins, especially those involving heme biosynthesis, inhibiting hemoglobin formation, and leading to anemia.
• Neurological Damage: It disrupts calcium-mediated processes in neurons, leading to cognitive impairment, learning difficulties, and behavioral problems.

Symptoms:

• Children: Developmental delay, learning difficulties, irritability, weight loss, fatigue, abdominal pain, hearing loss.
• Adults: High blood pressure, joint and muscle pain, memory problems, mood disorders, miscarriage or premature birth in pregnant women.

Diagnosis:

• Blood lead levels (BLL) test is the primary method for diagnosing lead poisoning.

Treatment:

• Chelation therapy: Agents like EDTA or dimercaprol are used to bind lead for excretion.
• Elimination of the source: Identifying and removing the source of lead exposure is critical.

Iron Poisoning

Iron poisoning, or iron toxicity, occurs when an excessive amount of iron is absorbed by the body, which can be life-threatening, especially in children.

Sources of Exposure:

• Iron supplements: Accidental ingestion, especially by children, is a common cause.
• Overuse of supplements in conditions like anemia.

Mechanism of Toxicity:

• Excess Absorption: Iron bypasses the normal regulatory mechanisms and is absorbed in large quantities.
• Free Radical Formation: Excess iron generates free radicals, causing oxidative damage to cells.
• Organ Toxicity: It affects the liver, heart, and gastrointestinal tract. The excess iron can deposit in organs, causing severe dysfunction.

Symptoms:

• Initial (within 6 hours): Vomiting, diarrhea (often bloody), abdominal pain, lethargy.
• Latent phase (6-24 hours): Symptoms may temporarily improve, but internal damage continues.
• Severe phase (12-48 hours): Metabolic acidosis, shock, liver failure, seizures, and coma.
• Delayed phase (2-5 days): Liver damage, jaundice.
• Recovery phase (weeks later): Gastrointestinal scarring and potential long-term complications.

Diagnosis:

• Serum iron levels, total iron-binding capacity (TIBC), and liver function tests help diagnose iron poisoning.

Treatment:

• Decontamination: Gastric lavage or whole bowel irrigation may be done to remove unabsorbed iron.
• Chelation therapy: Deferoxamine binds iron, making it easier for the body to excrete through urine.
• Supportive care: For severe cases, IV fluids, oxygen, and blood pressure stabilization are essential.

Both lead and iron poisoning are preventable with appropriate precautions and awareness. Early diagnosis and treatment are critical to avoid long-term complications.