Interpretation of Blood Lead Levels in Adults

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.

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