@article{ref1,
title="Lead poisoning due to incense burning: an outbreak in a family",
journal="Clinical toxicology (Philadelphia, Pa.)",
year="2020",
author="Hung, Dong-Zong and Yang, Kai-Wei and Wu, Chin-Ching and Hung, Yu-Han",
volume="ePub",
number="ePub",
pages="ePub-ePub",
abstract="BACKGROUND: In Asia and some other regions of the world, incense burning is an  important folk and cultural activity. However, this ritual can cause health impacts,  such as chronic respiratory diseases and neoplasms. Herein, we describe a family  with lead poisoning possibly related to the frequent use of incense sticks at home. CASE REPORT: A 65-year-old homemaker with severe anemia, pitting edema of the lower  legs, bone pain, abdominal pain, and exertional dyspnea for several months presented  to our clinic. Her blood workup indicated severe anemia with basophilic stippling in  red blood cells and blood lead level (BLL) of 59.75 μg/dL. Her husband, three  children, and four grandchildren who lived with her also had high BLLs. As a Daoist  clergy person, she had been exposed to a large amount of smoke from every day use of  incense for >30 years. In the field investigation, the chronic dust deposited in  hidden corners of their home had considerably higher lead content and other toxic  metals. <br><br>DISCUSSION: Our observations indicated chronic, frequent exposure to smoke  from incense burning may be a cause of lead poisoning. Strict avoidance of incense  smoke is a significant step toward preventing lead poisoning in children in  societies with the custom of incense burning.<p /> <p>Language: en</p>",
language="en",
issn="1556-3650",
doi="10.1080/15563650.2020.1853146",
url="http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/15563650.2020.1853146"
}