Will elevated levels of lead exposure precipitate clinical symptoms of porphyria in individuals with the latent condition?
Individuals with excessive activity of the enzyme ALA-S due to either inherited disorder (i.e. porphyrias) or endogenous (i.e. steroids) or exogenous (e.g. barbituates) chemical agents and who are exposed to elevated levels of lead are predicted to have a significantly enhanced likelihood of experiencing either enhanced or precipitated clinical symptoms (e.g. photosensitivity) associated with elevated levels of porphyrins or their precursors in body tissues. In light of the widespread societal use of ALA-S inducing agents and the ubiquitous nature of lead in the environment, a more precise assessment of the health risks associated with their interaction is warranted.
