Sources of lead in Saudi Arabia: a review

Abstract

Lead is a poison that affects virtually every system in the body. Children are more vulnerable to lead exposure than adults because of the frequency of pica, hand-to-mouth activity, and a greater rate of intestinal absorption and retention. Very acute lead exposure in children (blood lead levels > 80 microg/dL) can cause coma, convulsions, and even death. Lower levels cause adverse effects on the central nervous system, kidney, and hematopoietic system. Several studies have identified harmful effects of lead in children at blood lead levels as low as 10 microg/dL. Recently, the Center for Disease Control (CDC) has cut the lead allowable threshold level from 25 microg/dL of blood to 10 microg/dL. This review summarizes the main sources of lead exposure that one could expect in a modern society such as Saudi Arabia.