Treatments for lead poisoning

Treatments for lead poisoning vary depending on the level of lead in the blood.  Levels of lead in the blood are measured as micrograms per deciliter of blood (µg/dL).

Chelation therapy, which is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Adminstration (FDA), has been used for over 40 years and is an effective way to treat lead poisoning.  It is a chemical process in which a synthetic solution, EDTA (ethylene diamine tetraacetic acid) is injected into the body to remove heavy metals and/or minerals.  The EDTA that is injected into the veins goes throughout the body until it meets up with harmful lead (or other heavy metal).  When found, the EDTA binds with the lead and both are removed from the body through the kidneys.

Chelation therapy is performed on an outpatient basis and hospitalization is rarely required.  A nurse or other qualified health professional administers an IV while the patient reclines in a chair and the EDTA is injected into the IV.  Chelation therapy can deplete the body of essential vitamins and minerals so patients often receive supplements during treatment.

Chelation therapy is known to reduce blood lead level concentrations acutely, but it is not uncommon for the levels to rebound as much as 70% in a matter of weeks or months.  This rebound is a result of the release of lead previously stored in the bones.  The initial decline in blood lead levels occurs when chelation therapy cleanses the lead that exists in the blood and soft tissue.  Once these levels are removed, it is possible for the lead in the bones to be exported into the blood and soft tissues.  In general, chelation therapy takes ten to twelve weeks; however, in severe cases a longer treatment period may be required to ensure that the lead has been effectively removed from the body.

For obvious reasons, children who are removed from the source of lead exposure have greater success with chelation therapy than those who continue to be exposed.   Environmental intervention, developmental referrals, medical treatment, and follow-up care are all essential components in a healthy treatment plan.  Discuss your child’s complete care and treatment with your doctor.

Legal Assistance

At Paul & Hanley LLP we understand that your family is the most important thing in your life and they deserve to be happy and healthy.  It is a traumatic thing to find out a member of your family has been diagnosed with lead poisoning and we want you to know that there are people willing to help.  The attorneys at Paul & Hanley are dedicated and experienced professionals interested in assisting your family.  Our law firm, based in California, is nationally recognized for our successes and for the honesty, integrity, and compassion of our lawyers and employees. We will explore the possibility of legal action for your child’s injury and give you honest answers to your important questions.  Please contact us if you believe someone in your family is suffering from lead poisoning or if you would like to learn more about lead poisoning and exposure. We are happy to provide you with a free and confidential legal consultation.We'll discuss your specific case and give you honest answers to your important questions.  Our toll-free number is (800) 933-2244.  We look forward to helping you.

<-back