The severity of symptoms from lead poisoning in the adult increase as the blood lead level increases.
Blood Lead Level in µg/dL |
Associated Toxicity |
10 |
possible hypertension |
16 |
increased erythrocyte protoporphyrin in women |
25 |
increased erythrocyte protoporphyrin in men |
30 |
decreased hearing acuity, increased systolic blood pressure in men |
40 |
peripheral neuropathy, nephropathy, infertility in men |
50 |
decreased hemoglobin synthesis |
65 |
decreased longevity |
80 |
frank anemia |
100 |
encephalopathy |
(Figure 28-5, page 990, Moyer 1999)
Toxicity |
Blood Lead Level |
Symptoms |
mild |
40 - 60 µg/dL |
• myalgia • paresthesias • mild fatigue • irritability • lethargy • abdominal discomfort |
moderate |
61-99 µg/dL |
• arthralgias • general fatigue • difficulty in concentration • tremor • headache • diffuse abdominal pain • vomiting • weight loss • constipation |
severe |
>= 100 µg/dL |
• paresis • paralysis • encephalopathy • lead line on gingiva (Burton's line) • colic with abdominal cramps |
Table 67-23, page 1566, Moyer 1999
Blood Lead Level µg/dL |
Interpretation |
Action |
<= 9 |
not elevated |
|
10 - 40 |
acceptable levels for chronic long-term exposure |
Retest in 6 months. |
41 - 53 |
exceeds OSHA action level |
Observe closely with followup. Retest in 2 months |
> 53 |
|
Remove from exposure. Retest in 2 weeks. |
> 70 |
Toxic symptoms may begin to appear |
Consider chelation therapy. |
Table 38-6, page 531, Saryan 1994.
Specialty: Toxicology, Emergency Medicine, Critical Care, Pedatrics