Lead intoxication epidemic caused by ingestion of contaminated ground paprika.

OBJECTIVE Report of a lead intoxication epidemic caused by ingestion of contaminated ground paprika. DESIGN Retrospective study of case histories. SETTING Institutional, toxicological and medical referral center for ambulatory and hospitalized care. PATIENTS One hundred forty-one adults consumed paprika contaminated with lead tetroxide (red lead). INTERVENTIONS Intravenous calcium disodium versenate (edetic acid). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Measurement of zinc protoporphyrin:heme ratio of whole blood and the blood lead level. EDTA mobilization test. RESULTS Fifty-three patients had symptoms and signs of lead poisoning. The most common clinical signs were colic and/or anemia. Twenty-six persons showed increased lead absorption without clinical symptoms and signs. Chelation therapy with calcium disodium versenate resulted in complete clinical recovery. CONCLUSION Lead-contaminated ground paprika, not previously described as a cause of alimentary lead intoxication, may cause symptomatic poisoning.

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