Management overview for lead object ingestion

This monograph discusses the management of a patient who has ingested a lead object. For management of acute or chronic lead poisoning due to other causes, see Lead poisoning.

Common ingestible lead objects include pellets, sinkers, curtain weights and paint chips. For other common sources of lead in Australia, see Common sources of lead in Australia. Young children are more likely to ingest lead objects because they frequently put objects in their mouths.

Following ingestion, most lead objects will pass through the gastrointestinal tract without causing toxicity. Lead poisoning due to systemic absorption is more likely if the object is retained in the stomach for more than 48 hours or has not passed within 14 days.

Immediate X-ray of the chest and abdomen is indicated to identify the location of the lead object. Measurement of the whole blood lead concentration is not routinely recommended. Prompt removal of the object is required if the patient is symptomatic, the object is in the airway or oesophagus, or the object has been in the stomach for longer than 48 hours.