Introduction
Contaminated water and soil are the primary sources of Lead poisoning.
Color materials, cosmetics, kohl eye, fake lipstick, and contaminated
opium are known as common sources. These are considered causes of lead
poisoning [1]. Lead toxicity with
”Swamp stone” or ”Silver stone” rarely occurs [2]. In most Iranian
perfumery stores, this material is sold under the name ”Sang-e-Mordab.”
It is a yellow to brown powder, rubbed on the skin as a deodorant to
remove the smell of underarm odor, sweaty feet, and reduce sweating.
Swamp stone consists of nearly 70 percent heavy metals, mostly lead
oxide (Pbo), and it also contains a low amount of other metals such as
Chromium and Nickle. Skin, lungs, and GI tracts can absorb lead oxide.
Excessive use or ingestion of this powder can result in lead poisoning.
Such material is dangerous if used carelessly.
Lead can affect the central and peripheral nervous system, skin,
kidneys, reproductive system, gastrointestinal system, and
musculoskeletal system. Patients with high blood lead levels (BLL) may
experience severe, intractable abdominal colic pain (very common),
weakness, paralysis anemia, high blood pressure, and renal dysfunction
[3]. Asymptomatic lead poisoning has become more common in children.
High lead levels in children affect neurocognition and behavioral
development that could be irreversible [4]. In adults, high blood
lead level is associated with memory deficit and loss of attention
[5].
Recently, United States experienced a lead poisoning disaster in
Michigan. This public health disaster happened when Flint changed its
water source and led leached into aging pipes’ water supply. As a
result, heavy metal levels in drinking water became significantly
elevated [6].
Based on the World Health Organization declaration and the Centers for
Disease Control and Prevention, there is no safe level of blood lead
[7]. Some countries over the years have developed guidelines to
manage lead intoxicated patients better, but there is no official
organization in Iran for investigating and treating lead poisoning. The
average lead level in the Iranian population is not well studied.
Therefore, practitioners face many difficulties while diagnosing and
treating these patients. This case report presents a family of five with
different signs and symptoms but the same diagnosis.