Lead toxicity

Patients should be informed of their blood lead levels and potential and observed complications. The source(s) of exposure should be determined and the patient informed as to the cause of their lead poisoning. For home exposure, patients and their families should be counseled on remediation of lead hazards. This includes dust control, hand washing, washing of toys, and other methods of reducing exposure to dust-borne lead. Relocation may be required in extreme cases. Families should not be in the house during lead remediation.

Occupational exposure also requires attention to safety measures that can be taken to reduce lead exposure in the workplace (protective clothing and restriction of eating and drinking in the workplace). All patients exposed to lead should eat a healthy, balanced diet that is high in minerals and protein and low in fat.[59]World Health Organization. Guideline for clinical management of exposure to lead. 2021 [internet publication]. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK575284 http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/34787987?tool=bestpractice.com Patients should be aware that lead toxicity is a chronic illness and that long-term monitoring of their blood lead and follow-up for complications is necessary.