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Principles of environmental medicine: an educational case study of lead poisoning in Beethoven
Thomas C Erren1, Florian Glenewinkel1, Andreas Pinger1
1Institute and Policlinic for Occupational Medicine, Environmental Medicine and Prevention Research, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital of Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany.
Background:
Understanding the nature and consequences of widespread lead poisoning is critical to protecting people from harm.
Educational Case Study:
We review the historical example of hypothesized lead poisoning in the famous composer Beethoven as an educational vector to illustrate principles of environmental medicine. We discuss what would happen if a hypothetical present-day Mr. B with comparable health complaints, clinical symptoms, or test results were to visit a doctor today. Human biomonitoring - with population reference values and health-based guidance values - is discussed as an important diagnostic tool.
Conclusion:
This practical outlook on lead poisoning for readers with non-environmental medicine backgrounds contributes to an understanding of principles of environmental medicine.
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