Is Lead Poisoning Treatable?
A medical procedure known as chelating can remove some lead from the blood stream. However this prior to lead having its damaging effects. Once lead poisoning has caused physical or mental injury the damage is usually irreversible. The only true cure is prevention Successful treatment of lead poisoning must therefore begin with removal of the individual from the source of the contamination.
In cases where the blood lead level is not deemed highly dangerous, the elimination of exposure to lead may be sufficient for lowering the blood lead levels if the doctor recommends a diet that is high in iron, calcium, and vitamin C. These minerals and vitamins can aid the body’s ability to rid itself of lead and help prevent further poisoning. The method of the elimination of exposure to lead hazards must be determined by a doctor on a case-by-case basis.
In cases where the doctor recommends chelation therapy, the patient is given medicine that binds with lead inside the body so that it is excreted in the urine. Chelation therapy has several risks associated with it which patient should discussed with their doctor before treatment begins.
In other severe cases, a doctor may recommend EDTA therapy in which a patient receives one or more of three drugs, most commonly prescribing a chemical known as ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid. Depending on the blood lead level, more than one treatment may be necessary and it may not be possible to reverse all damage done.