T Kákosy1, A Hudák, M Náray. 1. National Institute of Occupational Health, Budapest, Hungary.
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: Report of a lead intoxication epidemic caused by ingestion of contaminated ground paprika. DESIGN: Retrospective study of case histories. SETTING: Institutional, toxicological and medical referral center for ambulatory and hospitalized care. PATIENTS: One hundred forty-one adults consumed paprika contaminated with lead tetroxide (red lead). INTERVENTIONS: Intravenous calcium disodium versenate (edetic acid). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Measurement of zinc protoporphyrin:heme ratio of whole blood and the blood lead level. EDTA mobilization test. RESULTS: Fifty-three patients had symptoms and signs of lead poisoning. The most common clinical signs were colic and/or anemia. Twenty-six persons showed increased lead absorption without clinical symptoms and signs. Chelation therapy with calcium disodium versenate resulted in complete clinical recovery. CONCLUSION: Lead-contaminated ground paprika, not previously described as a cause of alimentary lead intoxication, may cause symptomatic poisoning.
OBJECTIVE: Report of a lead intoxication epidemic caused by ingestion of contaminated ground paprika. DESIGN: Retrospective study of case histories. SETTING: Institutional, toxicological and medical referral center for ambulatory and hospitalized care. PATIENTS: One hundred forty-one adults consumed paprika contaminated with lead tetroxide (red lead). INTERVENTIONS: Intravenous calcium disodium versenate (edetic acid). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Measurement of zinc protoporphyrin:heme ratio of whole blood and the blood lead level. EDTA mobilization test. RESULTS: Fifty-three patients had symptoms and signs of lead poisoning. The most common clinical signs were colic and/or anemia. Twenty-six persons showed increased lead absorption without clinical symptoms and signs. Chelation therapy with calcium disodium versenate resulted in complete clinical recovery. CONCLUSION: Lead-contaminated ground paprika, not previously described as a cause of alimentary lead intoxication, may cause symptomatic poisoning.
Authors: Ronnie Levin; Mary Jean Brown; Michael E Kashtock; David E Jacobs; Elizabeth A Whelan; Joanne Rodman; Michael R Schock; Alma Padilla; Thomas Sinks Journal: Environ Health Perspect Date: 2008-05-19 Impact factor: 9.031