lead poisoning

noun

Definition of lead poisoning

: 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

There are often no immediately noticeable symptoms of lead poisoning, the report states. — Bailey Loosemore, The Courier-Journal, "Louisville kids are still at risk for lead poisoning. Here's how healthy eating can help," 25 June 2019 Scientific studies of the evidence that survived showed that pneumonia, tuberculosis, lead poisoning, or a zinc deficiency contributed to the high death toll, along with hypothermia and starvation. — Jennifer Ouellette, Ars Technica, "Evil shapeshifters stalk by night in first trailer for AMC’s The Terror: Infamy," 20 June 2019 Water birds and fish eat sinkers that get lost in aquatic environments when fishing lines break or snap, which puts the animals at risk of lead poisoning. — Brigit Katz, Smithsonian, "633 Divers Cleaned Up a Florida Beach—and Broke a World Record," 18 June 2019 While the billionaire donors delay signing their checks, the workers at the cathedral can afford no such luxury as the risk of lead poisoning has become an issue for the Parisian island on which Notre Dame is located. — Fox News, "US donors have been footing Notre Dame work bills instead of French tycoons," 15 June 2019 The California Condor Recovery Program was launched by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service in 1986, when lead poisoning, habitat loss and other human threats had reduced the wild California condor population to just 22 birds. — San Diego Union-Tribune, "Column: Why the Safari Park’s California condor dads are Father’s Day stars," 14 June 2019 Mayor Tom Barrett has named Jeanette Kowalik as his pick to head the beleaguered agency, which has been in turmoil for months amid problems with its program aimed at preventing lead poisoning among children. — Mary Spicuzza, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "Mayor Tom Barrett picks Jeanette Kowalik to lead troubled Milwaukee Health Department," 11 July 2018 Mayor Bill de Blasio agreed to pay at least $1.2 billion for repairs including peeling paint that caused 19 cases of lead poisoning, according to the government settlement. — The Editorial Board, WSJ, "A Tale of Two Public Health Crises," 31 Aug. 2018 Inhaling these particles can lead to lead poisoning, especially in pregnant women and children. 13. — Lindsey Campbell, House Beautiful, "19 Dangerous Household Items You Should Quit Using Immediately," 15 Feb. 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'lead poisoning.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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Last Updated

29 Jun 2019

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The first known use of lead poisoning was circa 1842

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More Definitions for lead poisoning

lead poisoning

noun

Medical Definition of lead poisoning

: 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