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Chapter-40 Inorganic Metallic Irritants — Lead

BOOK TITLE: Review of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology

Author
1. Biswas Gautam
ISBN
9788184487176
DOI
10.5005/jp/books/10737_40
Edition
1/e
Publishing Year
2010
Pages
4
Author Affiliations
1. Dayanand Medical College and Hospital, Ludhiana, Punjab, India, Dayanand Medical College and Hospital, Ludhiana, India, Dayanand Medical College , Ludhiana, Punjab, India, Dayanand Medical College, Ludhiana, Dayanand Medical College and Hospital, Ludhiana, Punjab, India, E-mail: forensicdmc@gmail.com
Chapter keywords

Abstract

This chapter discusses various aspects of lead, an inorganic metallic irritant. Lead is absorbed through the GIT, respiratory tract and skin, and is a cumulative poison. High calcium level favors storage, while calcium deficiency causes lead to be released into the blood stream. Signs and symptoms of lead poisoning include anemia, impairment in heme synthesis, increased fragility of RBCs, burtonian or lead line, and colic. In children and young adults, lead is deposited beyond the epiphysis of growing long bones. for the treatment in such cases, Ammonium chloride 1 g, 3-4 times given daily. By this, lead deposited in the bones is mobilized into the blood and excreted. Postmortem findings highlight that a blue line may be seen on the gums, but it is not a constant feature and paralyzed muscles show fatty degeneration. Stomach and intestines may show ulcerative or hemorrhagic changes with contraction and thickening.

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