Symptoms you are likely to notice Lead poisoning may be acute from the exposure to a large amount of lead over a short period of time. More often, it is chronic as a result of many small exposures over a long period of time. Acute lead poisoning The mouth and esophagus may react to the passage of a lead compound with a strong burning sensation. There will be stomach pain and intestinal distress, which may take the form of either diarrhea or constipation . As the lead gets into the nervous system, it will produce dementia and eventually paralysis of the arms or legs or both followed by seizures and complete collapse.
Death can easily result.
Chronic lead poisoning In the beginning there are no symptoms. As lead builds up in the body, it may provoke irritability and loss of appetite. There may be even more subtle changes, such as lowered intelligence. Slightly higher exposure produces some of the symptoms of acute lead poisoning . Symptoms your physician may observe Anemia may be present early.