An unusual case of lead poisoning in an infant: Nursing-associated plumbism

Abstract

Lead poisoning remains a common environmental threat for children today. The majority of cases of lead poisoning are caused by oral intake of lead dust or lead-containing paint flakes and thus occur during the second and third years of life. An unusual case of severe lead poisoning in a breast-feeding infant girl is here presented; the source proved to be a nipple shield made of a lead-containing metal. Despite the severity of the intoxication, by the end of treatment and for a year afterwards the infant has been well and her psychokinetic development has been normal.