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

Examples of lead poisoning in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Huỳnh suspects that's why his mom had symptoms consistent with lead poisoning after drinking it. —Pien Huang, NPR, 1 Apr. 2024

People with lead poisoning often don’t show symptoms, per the CDC, which is why prevention is so important. —Kayla Blanton, SELF, 7 Mar. 2024

Young children with lead poisoning often show no symptoms, but experts say exposure over time can cause lastingneurodevelopmental disabilities, making a varied diet key. —Jenna Portnoy, Washington Post, 10 Feb. 2024

Rubin’s reporting for the San Francisco Chronicle, NPR and Capital & Main has led to state laws protecting workers from lead poisoning and has exposed wasteful spending. —Joe Rubin, Sacramento Bee, 25 Mar. 2024

What are the effects and symptoms of lead poisoning? —Cathy Kozlowicz, Journal Sentinel, 26 Feb. 2024

Research suggests that genetics play a role in a child developing ADHD, as well as other factors, including premature birth, low birth weight, lead poisoning, brain injuries and use of alcohol or tobacco during pregnancy. —Eduardo Cuevas, USA TODAY, 16 Mar. 2024

The World Health Organization estimates that more than 1 million deaths each year are attributable to lead poisoning, with the highest exposures in developing nations. —Aaron Specht, The Conversation, 7 Mar. 2024

The training covered the background and situation of lead poisoning in Bangladesh, principal sources and routes of exposure to lead, understanding the toxicity of lead, diagnosis and management of lead poisoning and preventive measures. —Unicef Usa, Forbes, 28 Feb. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1842, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

lead poisoning

noun

: an abnormal condition that is caused by absorption of lead into the body and results in various bodily symptoms (as tiredness, nausea, loss of appetite, and paralysis or weakness of the muscles)

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