B. Chandrashekar1 , A. M. Koppad2
Heavy metal poising, especially lead is a major healthcare burden across the world. Despite efforts to contain environmental exposure to lead, lead toxicity among children is widely prevalent. Both environmental and parental occupational exposures to lead are the main source of lead toxicity in children. Long-term exposure to lead affects the neurodevelopment and behavior of children. Diagnosis is subjective and is based on presenting symptoms of lead colic, physical examination, laboratory tests and assessment of the living environment. Routine screening of children at risk for lead toxicity is warranted to prevent adverse outcomes in children. In India, there are no public health programs or guidelines for adequately addressing issues related to lead toxicity issues in children. Treatment is limited to high blood lead levels and largely aimed at avoidance or elimination of the source. It is important to create a public health awareness program and control the lead exposure in children.
