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THE SHORT-TERM EFFECTS OF LEAD ON DOMESTIC AND WILD ANIMALS
Citation:
Botts, R. THE SHORT-TERM EFFECTS OF LEAD ON DOMESTIC AND WILD ANIMALS. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Washington, D.C., EPA/600/3-77/009 (NTIS PB272099), 1977.
Description:
Small quantities of lead, a ubiquitous and toxic element, may be found in practically all species of plants and animals. The list of animals, both domestic and wild, reportedly intoxicated by lead is impressive. The sources of lead poisoning vary with species of animals. Lead base paints, used motor oils, spend lead shot and pastures contaminated by lead smelters seemingly have been most often incriminated. The lesions associated with lead intoxication may vary widely both within and between species of animals. Lesions and symptoms of the central nervous system are the most prominent. Toxic levels for various species as reported in the literature vary widely and seemingly a single toxic dose for each species, as yet, has not been definitely established. The diagnosis and treatment of lead intoxication may become laborious and time consuming. Most symptoms, reported involve central nervous system dearrangement. Treatment of most clinical cases is disappointing generally because of the acute nature of lead poisoning.