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Attention, chocolate lovers: You may not be able to help yourselves. Swiss and British scientists have linked the widespread love of chocolate to a chemical "signature" that may be programmed into our metabolic systems.
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Plumbism - Lead Poisoning

Symptoms & Signs

What are the signs and symptoms of the condition?

The symptoms of lead poisoning can vary widely. The effects of lead poisoning depend on the person's age, the amount of lead in the body, and how long the exposure has been going on. Lead poisoning is called acute if the exposure happens quickly. Chronic exposure occurs over weeks or months.

Both types of poisoning are harmful, but the symptoms tend to be slightly different. Acute or sudden poisoning may cause:

sudden changes in behavior

abdominal distress

nausea and vomiting

unsteady gait or walking style, known as ataxia

seizures, impaired consciousness, or even coma

Chronic or slow poisoning may cause:

gradual changes in behavior, such as a child who becomes hyperactive

decreased school performance

intelligence problems and memory loss

occasional abdominal distress

paralysis of the hands or feet, which usually only occurs in adults

fatigue

joint pain

anemia, or low red blood cell counts

kidney damage

a bluish-black line at the area where the teeth and gums meet

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