Article Text
Abstract
Introduction Lead is a metal used since ancient times in many applications. Lead poisoning can be acute resulting from brief exposure to very high amounts of lead or chronic, due to prolonged exposure to small amounts.
Observation We report a case concerning a 27-year-old man who had been working in the car battery crushing for 8 months in a factory (informal sector) with no pathological history and lead poisoning. It’s about a 27-year-old man who has been working in the crushing of car batteries for 8 months in a factory (informal sector), without a particular pathological history, which has lead poisoning. He was a victim of acute lead poisoning that was clinically manifested by a sub-occlusive syndrome associated with anaemic syndrome evolving in a context of apyrexia. Faced with the suspicion of lead poisoning, the patient was referred to the Occupational Health Service where the lead origin was confirmed (Lead, ALAU and PPZ elevated). The development was favourable after a chelating treatment provided by the Moroccan anti poison centre (MAPC).
Discussion Acute lead poisoning in the workplace is rare but still exists, manifested in particular by digestive disorders, neurological effects which are serious and anaemia. In Morocco, there are no statistical data on the level of lead impregnation. In our case, a fact-finding mission was organised by the MAPC, following which it was recommended that the plant should be quickly shut down due to the seriousness of the findings and regulatory and administrative non-conformities. His disease was declared as a disease of occupational origin in accordance with the Moroccan legislation in force (table 1.1.1 of occupational diseases).
Conclusion Lead poisoning is a frequently overlooked public health problem, and collaboration between the attending physician and the occupational physician can help identify, detect early and prevent risky situations.