Lead intoxication epidemic caused by ingestion of contaminated ground paprika.
OBJECTIVE
Report of a lead intoxication epidemic caused by ingestion of contaminated ground paprika.


METHODS
Retrospective study of case histories.


METHODS
Institutional, toxicological and medical referral center for ambulatory and hospitalized care.


METHODS
One hundred forty-one adults consumed paprika contaminated with lead tetroxide (red lead).


METHODS
Intravenous calcium disodium versenate (edetic acid).


METHODS
Measurement of zinc protoporphyrin:heme ratio of whole blood and the blood lead level. EDTA mobilization test.


RESULTS
Fifty-three patients had symptoms and signs of lead poisoning. The most common clinical signs were colic and/or anemia. Twenty-six persons showed increased lead absorption without clinical symptoms and signs. Chelation therapy with calcium disodium versenate resulted in complete clinical recovery.


CONCLUSIONS
Lead-contaminated ground paprika, not previously described as a cause of alimentary lead intoxication, may cause symptomatic poisoning.
Kákosy
T
T
National Institute of Occupational Health, Budapest, Hungary.
Hudák
A
A
Náray
M
M
D000328:Adult; D000931:Antidotes / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002212:Capsicum / Q000506:poisoning*; D002614:Chelating Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use; D015331:Cohort Studies; D004196:Disease Outbreaks; D004492:Edetic Acid / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use; D004791:Enzyme Inhibitors / Q000097:blood; D005260:Female; D005506:Food Contamination; D006801:Humans; D006814:Hungary / Q000453:epidemiology; D007275:Injections, Intravenous; D007854:Lead / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000097:blood; D007855:Lead Poisoning / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000453:epidemiology*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010946:Plants, Medicinal; D011524:Protoporphyrins / Q000097:blood; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D000931:Antidotes; D002614:Chelating Agents; D004791:Enzyme Inhibitors; D011524:Protoporphyrins; C017803:zinc protoporphyrin; D007854:Lead; D004492:Edetic Acid; C028356:lead tetroxide