[3 cases of poisoning caused by wine contaminated with lead]

Abstract

Three cases of lead poisoning of non occupational origin as result of drinking contaminated homemade wine are described. The source of lead most likely was the ceramic inner surface of the container used for wine fermentation and/or the cement used for filling up slots between ceramic tiles. The lead content of wine was found to be 40 mg/l whereas maximum allowed level in Italy is 0.3 mg/l. Treatment with calcium versenate given intravenously solved gastroenteric symptoms. Further investigations were reassessed six months after the acute episode showing both blood and urine parameters still below the normal range for adults occupationally not exposed to lead. Awareness of family physicians in early recognition of these episodes is recommended. Furthermore such hazard should be considered when choice of materials for containers delegated to wine fermentation is made, since home wine making is a widespread practice in our country.