CDPH Lead Inspector/Assessor California State Practice Exam

What is the major health effect of acute lead overexposure?

1. Kidney damage

2. Encephalopathy

3. Bone pain

4. Anemia

The correct answer is: Encephalopathy

Encephalopathy is the major health effect of acute lead overexposure. This condition refers to a range of brain dysfunctions that can occur when the body absorbs a toxic level of lead. Acute lead exposure can lead to a variety of neurological symptoms, including confusion, seizures, and even coma, which are instances of encephalopathy. Lead is particularly harmful to the nervous system, and when exposure is high enough, it can cause significant damage to the brain and nervous system, especially in young children, who are more vulnerable to the neurotoxic effects of lead. These symptoms stem from lead’s ability to disrupt neurotransmitter signaling and induce oxidative stress, leading to neuronal injury. While kidney damage, bone pain, and anemia are also serious health concerns associated with lead exposure, they are more commonly linked to chronic or prolonged exposure rather than acute exposure. In cases of acute toxicity, the immediate and potentially severe impact on the brain often takes precedence, making encephalopathy the most critical health effect to recognize.