Chronic lead poisoning

After being absorbed in ionic form, lead enters the bloodstream and is initially distributed throughout various tissues, mainly as lead salts and in combination with plasma proteins. Several weeks later, approximately 95% is deposited in the skeletal system and hair as insoluble lead phosphate. About 95% of lead in the blood is distributed within red blood cells, mainly on the erythrocyte membrane, with plasma accounting for only 5%. Lead phosphate deposited in bone tissue is in a stable state and maintains a dynamic equilibrium with lead in the blood and soft tissues. Absorbed lead is mainly excreted through the kidneys, and can also be eliminated via feces, breast milk, bile, menstrual fluid, sweat glands, saliva, hair, and nails.