Workers in a battery manufacturing plant are found to have blood lead levels of 45 µg/dL. In addition to removing them from exposure, which clinical finding would be MOST SPECIFIC for chronic inorganic lead poisoning?
- A Burton's (lead) line on the gingival margin ✓
- B Mees' lines on fingernails
- C Alopecia and peripheral neuropathy
- D Orange discoloration of the palms
Correct answer: A. Burton's (lead) line on the gingival margin
Explanation
Burton's line (lead line) is a pathognomonic bluish-black discoloration along the gingival margin (gum line), caused by the deposition of lead sulphide in the gingival tissues. It is most specific for chronic inorganic lead poisoning and is best seen in persons with poor dental hygiene. Mees' lines are transverse white bands on nails associated with arsenic poisoning, not lead.
Reference: Park's Textbook of Preventive and Social Medicine, 27th ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
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