title: Evaluation and cleanup of a lead monoxide spill in Greenwood, Louisiana.
abstract: On April 25, 1983, 1,780 lbs of lead monoxide were dumped from a truck on a 1.5 mile stretch of highway. Cooperation between local and state police, health agencies and the Poison Control Center in Shreveport resulted in the evacuation of 120 residents, rapid cleanup by flushing and sweeping of the highway with subsequent scooping of surface soil from both sides of the highway, and setting up of an area lead screening clinic. Initial tests on about 114 residents and cleanup workers included blood lead and FEP analysis from capillary blood (fingerstick). Five of these were elevated, however, retesting with venous blood gave normal blood lead values. Complaints of exposed individuals centered on gastrointestinal upsets (nausea, vomiting, cramping) and upper respiratory irritation. The differences between clinical manifestations of acute and chronic lead poisoning will be emphasized.
mesh_terms: D004787:Environmental Pollution; D006801:Humans; D007854:Lead / Q000097:blood*; D007855:Lead Poisoning / Q000517:prevention & control*; D008145:Louisiana
chemical_list: D007854:Lead