Unusually high circumpulpal lead concentrations as valid evidence of lead intoxication

A case is reported of a 59-year-old male who had been employed continuously as a motor technician for 32 years. During the latter period of his employment he gradually developed a number of the signs and symptoms typically manifested by persons suffering from lead intoxication. Five years after the termination of his employment, the lead content in the circumpulpal dentine of 2 of his teeth was determined and found to be more than 7 times higher than that of the controls. Thus, the probability of lead intoxication is supported very strongly.