The medical treatment for lead poisoning is known as?

• A. Chelation
• B. Radiation therapy
• C. Antibiotics
• D. Dialysis

Answer: (A)

Lead poisoning is treated with chelation therapy. Chelating agents bind lead in the blood and tissues to form water-soluble complexes that areexcreted by the kidneys, lowering the body’s lead burden. The choice of chelator and how it’s given depends on how high the lead level is and the patient’s clinical status, and it’s used under medical supervision because certain chelators can have side effects and may temporarily mobilize lead from bone. Common agents include formulations given by mouth or by injection, such as calcium disodium EDTA and dimercaprol–based combinations, or oral agents like dimercaptosuccinic acid. Radiation therapy, antibiotics, and dialysis do not address the root issue of lead accumulation: radiation treats cancer, antibiotics treat infections, and dialysis does not reliably remove lead from the body and isn’t the primary treatment for lead poisoning.