It is important to note that, an before addressing common lead poisoning treatment suggestions,  anyone who suspects they have fallen ill due to lead in their water should first immediately contact their local medical health professionals.  Any advice provided below is of secondary importance to speaking with a medical professional about the proper lead poisoning treatment and blood testing that’s required. It is also possible that there may also be something else wrong with your health, perhaps involving a different contaminant or condition, requiring contact with Poison Control (800-222-1222), the American Association of Poison Control Center or by calling 911.

Lead Poisoning Treatment

With that said, the immediate steps medical professionals will take for lead poisoning treatment usually will include:

  • EDTA Therapy: adults with lead levels considered to be high (lead levels more than 45 mcg/dL in their blood test) will be treated with ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA). EDTA basically pulls lead and toxins (including cadmium mercury) from the blood stream with a ‘claw-like molecular structure.’ It is delivered through an IV. For those with significantly high levels, additional treatments may be required.
  • Chelation Therapy: within this treatment technique, mostly for those with lower lead levels, a medication is prescribed that binds directly with the lead in the body in order to have the hazardous substance exit the body naturally through urination.

For those seeking to take precautions against an active lead poisoning situation (like those who may reside in a community where high levels of lead are already being reported in blood tests), there are active efforts to consider. While these, again, do not replace  those suggested by a medical professional after consultation, they do have value:

  • Use of bottled water whenever possible, or the use of a water filtration system. While there may have been delay in taking this first step due to failures within government action or a general lack of awareness, removing yourself from consistent exposure through bathing, drinking, eating, brushing your teeth with, etc., to water containing lead is critical. In the wake of water concerns in Flint, Portland, New Jersey and elsewhere, bottled water and water filters were provided widely to the public.
  • Eating and drinking those options that are high in Vitamin C, iron and calcium. When the Flint water crisis unfolded, governmental benefit programs were created to allow easier access to items like these, including fresh fruits and vegetables due to their capacity to assist the body in its struggle against the effects of hazardous substances.. In times of crisis and need, Food Banks can be a very effective source for these items.

Needless to say, you should not feel like you must take on the impact of lead poisoning treatment on your own. Beyond contacting an area health center or governmental organization put in place to assist your community, our hope is that the simple two lead poisoning treatments described above can improve your health and help you overcome some of the challenges you face.

With that said, there can also be costs associated with over-the-counter medication, bottled water, etc. Be sure to keep and maintain your receipts and costs associated with your family’s efforts to combat these health challenges. Doing so can help in recovering damages once the situation unfolds and you work with an attorney to resolve this matter and make your family as whole as possible in the wake of so much concern, health trauma and more.