LEAD POISONING, ANALYTICAL ASPECTS AND ITS MANAGEMENT
Lead comes under the class of heavy metal poisons. Lead poisoning is preventable, though it continues to be a major cause of poisoning among children and adults. Sources of lead include dust, air, water, soil and some products of daily use. Acute poisoning is rare. Chronic exposure can harm a young child's growth, behavior and ability to learn. Most often, children get lead poisoning from breathing in or swallowing lead containing dust. Lead can also be passed from mother to baby during pregnancy. In adults, chronic poisoning involves mainly central nervous system, cardiovascular system and reproductive system. Diagnosis can be made by evaluating clinical signs and medical history with special inquiry into possible routes of exposure; by using X-rays; by qualitative as well as quantitative analysis of blood and urine for lead and related metabolites. Proper management is done by providing supportive care to the exposed and specific treatment using various chelating agents