Lead is a heavy metal that is harmful to one’s health. It may be ingested through food or water, or it may be inhaled. Lead poisoning is a medical condition caused by increased levels of the heavy metal lead in the body. This condition is mainly the result of pollution. Indeed, ambient air is filled with the lead contained in gasoline. This pathology is also common among miners or welders, both of which are exposed to lead for extended periods of time. In food, lead may be present in certain species of game in the form of the cartridges that were used for hunting. Lead pipes are also responsible for the presence of lead in tap water. Before 1948, some types of paints were lead-based. This situation presents a risk to people living in buildings that were painted before this time period. Children are often victims of lead poisoning by ingestion of objects covered in lead-based paint, of which the taste is slightly sweet.
Lead poisoning affects the nervous system. The symptoms only become visible after prolonged and repetitive exposure to lead. A child suffering from lead poisoning is irritable but also seems to be unusually tired.
The child may have a hard time concentrating and is usually prone to sleep disorders. In general, lead poisoning leads to reduced intellectual abilities in children and adults, with a risk of irreversible development delay in children. Adults may also be subject to abdominal pain like colic or constipation. Furthermore, patients may also suffer from diarrhoea, vomiting, pallor, headaches, convulsions, kidney failure and limb paralysis. Men risk infertility and, in the most severe cases, lead poisoning may result in cancer.
There exist a series of homeopathic remedies that can be used for treating lead poisoning and its symptoms. Opium used in a 5 CH-dilution is recommended in case of colic manifested by severe abdominal pain, retraction of the abdomen, and eventually vomiting or a state of constipation. The dosage consists of three granules, to be taken three times a day, alternating this remedy with Plumbum 5 CH. During the first days following the onset of symptoms, this treatment may be supplemented by two additional remedies, of which the intakes need to be taken in the morning and evening. As such, a dose of Opium 9 CH is recommended in the morning, as well as one of Plumbum 9 CH in the evening. Finally, one may also resort to Aethusa cynapium, especially in case of drowsiness, convulsions, delirium and vomiting.
Observing mental retardation as well as behavioural and sleep disorders in children must lead to a medical consultation. In adults, consultation is required in cases of anaemia, convulsions, diarrhoea, constipation or violent colics.
• Plumbum Metallicum
