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Abstract
Objective: Report of a lead intoxication epidemic caused by ingestion of contaminated ground paprika. Design: Retrospective study of case histories. Setting: Institutional, toxicological and medical referral center for ambulatory and hospitalized care. Patients: One hundred forty-one adults consumed paprika contaminated with lead tetroxide (red lead). Interventions: Intravenous calcium disodium versenate (edetic acid). Main Outcome Measures: Measurement of zinc protoporphyrin: heme ratio of whole blood and the blood lead level. EDTA mobilization test. Results: Fifty-three patients had symptoms and signs of lead poisoning. The most common clinical signs were colic and/or anemia. Twenty-six persons showed increased lead absorption without clinical symptoms and signs. Chelation therapy with calcium disodium versenate resulted in complete clinical recovery. Conclusion: Lead-contaminated ground paprika, not previously described as a cause of alimentary lead intoxication, may cause symptomatic poisoning.
