lead poisoning

noun

: chronic intoxication that is produced by the absorption of lead into the system and is characterized especially by fatigue, abdominal pain, nausea, diarrhea, loss of appetite, anemia, a dark line along the gums, and muscular paralysis or weakness of limbs

called also saturnism

Examples of lead poisoning in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Earlier this year, the FDA recalled 3 million cinnamon applesauce pouches that contained extremely high levels of lead, after dozens of children across the United States were found to be suffering from lead poisoning. —Tribune News Service, The Mercury News, 25 Oct. 2024

Black children were four times as likely to test positive for lead poisoning as white children in 2022, according to additional DHS data. —Sarah Volpenhein, Journal Sentinel, 24 Oct. 2024

Nearly half of the funding dedicated to clean water mandates must flow to disadvantaged communities, notably those who are often disproportionately impacted by lead poisoning. —Avery Lotz, Axios, 8 Oct. 2024

Each year, roughly 160,000 children in Ohio under the age of 6 are screened for lead poisoning, according to the Ohio Department of Health. —Elizabeth B. Kim, The Enquirer, 17 Aug. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1842, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

lead poisoning

noun

: an abnormal condition that is caused by absorption of lead into the body and results in various bodily symptoms (as tiredness, nausea, loss of appetite, and paralysis or weakness of the muscles)

Medical Definition

lead poisoning

noun

: a serious acute or chronic condition that is caused by exposure and absorption of lead (such as lead carbonate) and is characterized by variable symptoms including fatigue, abdominal pain, vomiting, constipation, impaired cognitive development or function, joint and muscle pain, loss of appetite, anemia, a dark line along the gums, encephalopathy, seizures, paralysis, and kidney damage

called also plumbism, saturnism