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global lead advice
& support service
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Run by |
The Lead
Education and Abatement Design Group
Working to eliminate childhood and foetal lead poisoning
by the year 2012 and to protect the environment from lead
ABN 25 819 463 114 |
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Identification
and Management of Lead Affected People
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Blood
lead level |
Symptoms
/ Indicators |
What
to do |
0.48–1.20µmol/L
(10 – 25 µg/dL) |
No
symptoms.
Symptoms will not be present at these levels, but can show up later as
reduced IQ, learning difficulties, delays in development and
behavioural problems |
Education
on minimising exposures. Consider retesting in 3 – 12 months. If no
increase, retest in 12 months, depending on exposure. If > 36
months test annually only if risk continues. Assess iron status
if > 0.72 µmol/L. |
1.20–2.17
µmol/L
(25 – 45 µg/dL) |
No
symptoms |
Education
on minimising exposures. Refer for paediatric assessment . Assess iron
status. Retest in 15 days – 3 months depending on age, exposure and
level.
Arrange environmental assessment. |
2.17 –
2.66 µmol/L
(45 – 55 µg/dL) |
Moderate
Lead Poisoning:
- muscle pains
- irritability
- lethargy
- abdominal discomfort
- weight loss
|
Education
on minimising exposures. Refer for paediatric assessment . Assess iron
status. Retest in 1– 4 weeks depending on age, exposure and level.
Arrange environmental assessment. |
>2.66
µmol/L
( >55 µg/dL) |
Severe
lead poisoning
- abdominal pain
- general fatigue
- constipation
- severe head ache
|
Refer to
tertiary paediatric hospital (where possible) for immediate urgent
paediatric assessment and possible chelation therapy. Arrange
environmental assessment and abatement if appropriate before
returning home. |
Usually
>3.38 µmol/L
( >70 µg/dL) |
Medical
emergency
- paralysis
- fits
- coma
- gingival lead line
|
Refer to
tertiary paediatric hospital (where possible) for immediate urgent
paediatric assessment and chelation therapy. Arrange environmental
assessment and abatement if appropriate before returning home. |