Which treatment is commonly used for lead toxicity?

Chelation therapy is the treatment commonly used for lead toxicity. This method involves the administration of chelating agents that bind to lead in the bloodstream, allowing for its excretion through the kidneys. The most frequently used chelating agents for lead poisoning include edetate calcium disodium (EDTA) and dimercaprol. By forming stable complexes with lead, these agents help to reduce lead levels in the body and mitigate its toxic effects on various organs, particularly the nervous system.

While other treatments such as plasmapheresis and hemodialysis may be utilized in certain cases of toxicity or other medical conditions, they are not standard approaches for removing lead from the body. Desferoxamine is specifically used for iron overload conditions rather than lead toxicity, further emphasizing the role of chelation as the primary treatment strategy for lead exposure.