Toxic Cooker: Man Poisoned Over 20 Years

A shocking case of lead poisoning recently emerged in Mumbai, where a 50-year-old man was hospitalised due to serious health issues caused by an old pressure cooker. According to his doctor, this everyday kitchen item had been slowly poisoning him over time.

What Happened

Dr. Vishal Gabale, a specialist in internal medicine, shared the case on Instagram. The patient had been suffering from symptoms like memory loss, fatigue, and pain in his legs, but his medical tests initially came back normal.
Since no clear cause was found, doctors decided to perform a heavy metal screening a test that checks for metals like lead in the body. The results revealed high lead levels 22 micrograms per deciliter confirming a diagnosis of chronic lead poisoning.

How Did the Pressure Cooker Cause Lead Poisoning?

After a detailed investigation, Dr. Gabale discovered that the patient’s wife had been using the same aluminium pressure cooker for over 20 years.
He explained that when old or damaged aluminium cookware is used to cook acidic foods (like tomatoes or lemon-based dishes), lead and aluminium particles can leach into the food. Over time, these toxins can build up in the body.
Lead, in particular, is dangerous because it blocks calcium channels in the brain, which are essential for sending signals between nerve cells. This can lead to slower brain function and other neurological problems.

What is Lead Poisoning?

Lead poisoning occurs when lead gradually builds up in the body over a period of time. You can be exposed to lead through food, water, dust, or even air. Touching or breathing in lead particles can also cause harm, but eating or drinking contaminated items is the most common source.

This condition can affect many organs, including the brain, kidneys, nerves, and reproductive system. It is particularly harmful when exposure goes unnoticed for a long time.

Early Signs and Symptoms

One of the most dangerous things about lead poisoning is that symptoms often appear slowly and may be mistaken for other health issues. Some signs to watch for include:

Stomach pain or cramps
Constant fatigue or weakness
Headaches
Vomiting
Numbness in feet and legs
Difficulty concentrating or learning
Restlessness and hyperactivity
Anaemia (low red blood cells)
Loss of sexual desire
Infertility
Kidney problems

Can Lead Poisoning Be Treated?

Yes, treatment is possible, especially if lead exposure is caught early. In this case, the patient was treated with chelation therapy, a medical treatment where a special drug binds to lead in the bloodstream so the body can remove it through urine.
In more severe cases, doctors may also recommend whole-bowel irrigation using a special solution to flush out the digestive system, especially if lead-containing materials like paint chips are present in the stomach.
However, it’s important to note that some long-term effects such as kidney damage or infertility may not be fully reversible.

Conclusion

To avoid lead poisoning, especially from cookware, here are some important tips:

Avoid using old, damaged, or corroded aluminium cookware
Be cautious with cookware that has no quality certification or safety labelling
Don’t cook acidic foods in aluminium vessels
Replace old kitchen tools every few years, especially if you use them daily
Ensure good ventilation in the kitchen
Get water pipes and kitchenware tested for lead if you live in an older home

This case serves as a powerful reminder that even everyday household items like cookware can pose serious health risks if not properly maintained.

Source: Inputs from various media Sources

I’m a pharmacist with a strong background in health sciences. I hold a BSc from Delhi University and a pharmacy degree from PDM University. I write articles and daily health news while interviewing doctors to bring you the latest insights. In my free time, you’ll find me at the gym or lost in a sci-fi novel.