Chelation therapy hospitalization

BLLs of 20-44 mcg/dl indicate moderate lead poisoning, in addition to preventative measures, this group may warrant treatment with chelation therapy. BLLs above 45 mcg/dl are considered to be severe lead poisoning, and is likely to cause G1 symptoms in adults and children. Chelation therapy should be commenced in these patients. Finally, levels above 69 meg/ dl is a medical emergency with high risk of acufe CNS symptoms. It warrants chelation therapy and the patient cannot be released from hospital imtil safe lead free environment is ensured. 

If the airborne exposure is to be determined for a particular job, the IH must be prepared to monitor quickly. The next day may be too late. Concentrations usually need to be high to find TWAs that exceed OSHA PELs. More often than not the construction worker is not conducting the same job for an 8 h period. Many tasks are usually required to accomplish a day s work, which also makes it difficult to evaluate a particular hazard. A worker welding, cutting, and burning all day on an outside project such as a painted bridge may have no exposure or wind up in the hospital undergoing chelation therapy with a blood lead level in the hundreds. Many variables affect the potential and real exposure levels such as work habits, weather, and type of paint on the steel as well as personal protective equipment used. 

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