Lead Poisoning - What is It?

Recently it was discovered that Beethoven, the famous composer, could have been actually killed by his physician by an over dose of lead poisoning.

Beethoven had been sick for years before his actual death in 1827, and had made frequent visits to see his doctor for his illnesses.

Some research had concluded that there were toxic levels of metal in his hair, and also in his bone fragments. So after hearing about such a thing, I came to wonder: what exactly does lead poisoning do to someone and how can they come into contact with it?

It's sad to think that such a brilliant man was perhaps killed years earlier than he had to die. But how would he have known?

Well first of all, lead poisoning comes from exactly what it states: lead. Lead is extremely poisonous and can be found a lot easier than you may think.

It can be found in things such as:

Older paints (namely paints before 1978) - even if it is not pealing it is still dangerous.

Contaminated soil from of car exhaust or scrapings from old house paint

Plumbing, pipes, faucets (still found today, but there are building codes to have lead-free solder)

Older toys painted with certain paints that can cause lead poisoning

Storage Batteries

These are just a few of the places that lead can be found. It can be obtained if someone inhales the lead dust or swallows an object with lead. This can be a very scary thing because since lead poisoning can be acquired just by inhaling the lead dust, you can get it without even knowing it.

Many times lead poisoning is acquired over time. Not one single incident of lead will necessarily give you a bad case of lead poisoning, but rather a little bit at a time. One thing to always remember though is that it is most harmful for young children and also pregnant women. It is most dangerous for that unborn baby. Any lead in the system is bad, even a little bit.

What are the Symptoms?

The symptoms for lead poisoning really seem to be the type that is hard to detect because it could be overlooked as being something else. A few of the symptoms would include:

Lack of Appetite and Energy

Constipation

Anemia

Difficulty Sleeping

Irritability

Headaches

Again, what's difficult about knowing if you should head to your doctor for possible lead poisoning is because these symptoms could be caused for a number of other reasons. This is why if any of these symptoms persist in your life, you should see a doctor. You may not have lead poisoning, but these symptoms themselves could be the result of other serious complications you may have such as diabetes, sleep apnea, or depression.

Extreme levels of lead poison will cause the victim to vomit, have muscle weakness, seizures, or even as far as comas.

Preventing Lead Poisoning

Though it is really hard to detect lead in your life because it cannot be tasted or smelled, there are a few key things to help prevent it.

One simple prevention method for lead poisoning and also a number of other health related issues is to just simply wash your hands. Yep, that's right. Washing your hands, especially after you use the restroom and before you eat, can really keep you healthy. Not only from just lead poisoning can it protect you, but also colds and flues.

Another prevention method is to throw away old very old toys. A lot of toys from before the 70s were full of lead. Keep them away from your children or throw them out!

If your house is very old, and could possibly have very old painted walls, look into this. You could be a victim of lead poisoning exposure over time.

Sometimes water can contain lead. Make sure you get your water tested for lead. You can also just go to drinking bottled water or getting a water filter as well.

If you or someone you know may be a victim of this, then call the Poison Control. Under extreme cases, 911 is also an option if extreme vomiting and seizures take place.

I took interest in the subject after reading about what Beethoven possibly died from. It really can be a nasty thing to get. Just remember that if you have any type of re-occurring symptoms of anything listed above or others to get yourself checked out. Not only will it help keep you safe and healthy, but also give you a piece of mind of what you could have.