In our previous article, we discussed the dangers and sources of lead poisoning; in this issue, we will explore methods for preventing and treating lead poisoning.

Surgery is generally not used to remove lead from the body. It is important to avoid and eliminate sources of lead exposure. A balanced diet, adequate nutrition, and ensuring the body has sufficient iron, calcium, vitamin C, and other nutrients can help reduce lead absorption and support the treatment of patients with lead exposure. However, nutrition alone cannot treat lead poisoning. Patients with severe cases may require additional treatment with medications (chelating agents). These medications bind to lead in the body, allowing it to be excreted, primarily through the kidneys in urine. This process can reduce lead levels in the body and improve some symptoms; however, it cannot reliably reverse damage already done to the central nervous system or other organs. Because chelation therapy can have serious side effects and must be tailored to the patient’s condition and blood lead level, a specialist must carefully control the dosage and treatment regimen.

Do not allow children to come into contact with lead. In fact, anyone can be at risk of lead poisoning, but children are particularly vulnerable, especially those aged 1–5, who frequently put their hands or objects in their mouths and may ingest non-food substances. Lead poisoning can seriously damage children’s rapidly developing brains and other organs.

Other high-risk groups include those who regularly drink water from lead-containing pipes, consume food from lead-lined cans, or use lead-containing cosmetics or herbal supplements; those living in areas with industrial emissions; and individuals whose occupations or hobbies involve lead exposure, such as auto mechanics, battery factory workers, metal smelting plant workers, workers involved in the demolition of old buildings, plastic bag printers, indoor shooting range operators, anglers, and stained-glass artists, among others.

If you suspect that your household water is contaminated with lead, seek expert advice and have the water tested. Do not use hot tap water for cooking or drinking, as hot water can leach lead from pipes and plumbing fixtures into the water. After water has been sitting in the pipes for several hours, flush the cold tap until the water runs cold, following your local water utility’s advice. Do not boil drinking water to remove lead, as boiling does not eliminate it and can concentrate it. The best approach is to identify and replace lead-containing plumbing where possible and, as an interim measure, use a water filter certified to reduce lead, following the manufacturer’s maintenance and replacement instructions.

If you suspect that you or a family member’s health has been affected by lead poisoning, contact your family doctor promptly to arrange for blood lead testing and appropriate treatment.