Elevated blood lead levels associated with illicitly distilled alcohol--Alabama, 1990-1991.
The use of automobile radiators containing lead-soldered parts in the illicit distillation of alcohol (i.e., "moonshine") is an important source of lead poisoning among persons in some rural Alabama counties. From March 5 through October 26, 1991, eight persons were diagnosed with elevated blood lead levels (BLLs) at a local hospital and were reported to the notifiable disease surveillance system maintained by the Alabama Department of Public Health (ADPH). None of these patients had known histories of occupational or other potential sources of lead exposure, but all reported recent histories of moonshine ingestion. This report summarizes the results of an investigation of these cases conducted by the ADPH during December 1991.
D000328:Adult; D000407:Alabama / Q000453:epidemiology; D000431:Ethanol / Q000009:adverse effects*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007855:Lead Poisoning / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged
D000431:Ethanol