RESUMEN
Although contaminated flour was first described as an important source of endemic lead poisoning in the Middle East almost 20 years ago, the use of lead in community flour mills has not been eliminated and continues to represent a significant environmental risk. The authors describe an outbreak of lead poisoning in a West Bank Palestinian family and draw attention to this unusual but important source of lead exposure. All 13 members of the family (two children and 11 adults), were found to have lead poisoning following hospitalization for "gastroenteritis," headache, joint pain, weight loss, and vision difficulties. Seven females had low hemoglobin levels. Blood lead concentrations ranged from 42 to 84 microg/dL. Household flour samples obtained from a stone mill, previously closed because of lead contamination, contained 2,000 ppm lead. Flour from traditional stone mills reinforced with lead joints remains a potential source for lead poisoning.
Asunto(s)
Brotes de Enfermedades/estadística & datos numéricos , Harina/análisis , Contaminación de Alimentos/análisis , Intoxicación por Plomo/epidemiología , Intoxicación por Plomo/etiología , Adolescente , Adulto , Anciano , Quelantes/uso terapéutico , Niño , Preescolar , Diagnóstico Diferencial , Brotes de Enfermedades/prevención & control , Ácido Edético/uso terapéutico , Femenino , Humanos , Intoxicación por Plomo/sangre , Intoxicación por Plomo/diagnóstico , Intoxicación por Plomo/tratamiento farmacológico , Masculino , Persona de Mediana Edad , Medio Oriente/epidemiología , Programas Médicos Regionales , Salud RuralRESUMEN
The use of lead in petrol in Israel is described. Results of a soil survey are presented and the distribution of lead in soil, water, air, edible plants and the human organism is reviewed. Soils do not generally show high lead retention. The concentrations of lead in water, air and edible plants are low as is the concentration of lead in blood. A possible source of danger is the use of spent motor oil as a fuel in glass making furnaces.
Asunto(s)
Contaminación del Aire/análisis , Gasolina , Plomo/análisis , Petróleo , Plantas/análisis , Contaminantes del Suelo/análisis , Contaminación Química del Agua/análisis , Automóviles , Humanos , Israel , Población UrbanaRESUMEN
Fruit, vegetables and other crops grown in areas of heavy traffic were sampled and analysed for lead. The maximum lead content in washed vegetables was found in lettuce which contained about 0.5 mg/Kg (fresh weight). The low lead contents of the crops are partially due to the low lead contents of the soils on which they are grown. These in turn are a reflection of the lack of organic matter and clays in the soils. There appears to be no undue danger to health from eating crops tested.