lead poisoning
noun
: chronic intoxication that is produced by the absorption of lead into the system and is characterized especially by fatigue, abdominal pain, nausea, diarrhea, loss of appetite, anemia, a dark line along the gums, and muscular paralysis or weakness of limbs
called also saturnism
Example Sentences
Recent Examples on the Web Bruce Lanphear of Simon Fraser University offered the panel a brief, disturbing lecture on the effects of childhood lead poisoning. 
Heather Landy, Quartz, 1 Aug. 2022 In Cleveland — a city with high rates of lead poisoning, asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) — three local organizations received a BUILD Health challenge grant of $250,000. jsonline.com, 1 Sep. 2022 While the youngsters are learning about football, accompanying adults will be able to get health screenings and chair massages and learn about lead poisoning from the Mobile County Health Department. Mark Inabinett | Minabinett@al.com, al, 22 June 2022 Given the lead poisoning that often befalls a condor scavenging farther inland, many point to marine mammals as a critical food source for the species’ long-lasting survival in the wild. Rosanna Xiastaff Writer, Los Angeles Times, 17 May 2022 That calculation defines lead poisoning as 5 micrograms of lead per deciliter of blood in a child’s body. courant.com, 23 Mar. 2022 In March, a years-long investigation into the Health Department's handling of its childhood lead poisoning prevention program ended without criminal charges. Alison Dirr, Journal Sentinel, 25 July 2022 Similarly, anyone worried about lead poisoning effects should reach out to their healthcare provider. Chris Smith, BGR, 18 July 2022 Symptoms of acute lead poisoning include abdominal pain, muscle weakness, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, weight loss and bloody or decreased urinary output, the agency said. Brett Molina, USA TODAY, 19 July 2022 See More
Heather Landy, Quartz, 1 Aug. 2022 In Cleveland — a city with high rates of lead poisoning, asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) — three local organizations received a BUILD Health challenge grant of $250,000. jsonline.com, 1 Sep. 2022 While the youngsters are learning about football, accompanying adults will be able to get health screenings and chair massages and learn about lead poisoning from the Mobile County Health Department. Mark Inabinett | Minabinett@al.com, al, 22 June 2022 Given the lead poisoning that often befalls a condor scavenging farther inland, many point to marine mammals as a critical food source for the species’ long-lasting survival in the wild. Rosanna Xiastaff Writer, Los Angeles Times, 17 May 2022 That calculation defines lead poisoning as 5 micrograms of lead per deciliter of blood in a child’s body. courant.com, 23 Mar. 2022 In March, a years-long investigation into the Health Department's handling of its childhood lead poisoning prevention program ended without criminal charges. Alison Dirr, Journal Sentinel, 25 July 2022 Similarly, anyone worried about lead poisoning effects should reach out to their healthcare provider. Chris Smith, BGR, 18 July 2022 Symptoms of acute lead poisoning include abdominal pain, muscle weakness, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, weight loss and bloody or decreased urinary output, the agency said. Brett Molina, USA TODAY, 19 July 2022 See More Word History
First Known Use
circa 1842, in the meaning defined above
Medical Definition
lead poisoning
noun
: a serious acute or chronic condition that is caused by exposure and absorption of lead (such as lead carbonate) and is characterized by variable symptoms including fatigue, abdominal pain, vomiting, constipation, impaired cognitive development or function, joint and muscle pain, loss of appetite, anemia, a dark line along the gums, encephalopathy, seizures, paralysis, and kidney damage
called also plumbism, saturnism