VPT 421: Veterinary Toxicology (2+0)

SOURCES OF LEAD POISONING

• The various forms of lead include red lead, white lead, lead arsenate, lead sulphate or lead chromate.
• White lead and red lead are used by plumbers, used in the manufacture of linoleum, golf-balls, roofing felt etc.
• Lead acetate (sugar of lead) is an important soluble salt of lead used in the preparation of white lotion.
• Petrol contains tetraethyl lead as contaminant.
• Grass near busy highways may contain toxic amounts from auto exhausts.
• Licking of discarded storage batteries may also lead to poisoning.
• Sheep may acquire a taste for lead and preferentially graze high contamination areas.
• Lead arsenate is used as insecticide. Plants sprayed with this insecticide may be toxic.
• Acidic food kept in lead coated vessels.
• Drinking water contaminated with lead battery effluent.