Erren, Thomas C. ORCID: 0000-0002-7110-1031, Glenewinkel, Florian ORCID: 0009-0009-2394-0031, Pinger, Andreas ORCID: 0009-0006-1738-847X and Lewis, Philip ORCID: 0000-0002-5881-6032 (2025). Principles of environmental medicine: an educational case study of lead poisoning in Beethoven. Frontiers in Public Health, 13. Frontiers. ISSN 2296-2565

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Identification Number:10.3389/fpubh.2025.1578949

Abstract

[Artikel-Nr. 1578949] 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.

Item Type: Article
Creators:
Creators
Email
ORCID
ORCID Put Code
Erren, Thomas C.
UNSPECIFIED
https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7110-1031
UNSPECIFIED
Glenewinkel, Florian
UNSPECIFIED
https://orcid.org/0009-0009-2394-0031
UNSPECIFIED
Pinger, Andreas
UNSPECIFIED
https://orcid.org/0009-0006-1738-847X
UNSPECIFIED
Lewis, Philip
UNSPECIFIED
https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5881-6032
UNSPECIFIED
URN: urn:nbn:de:hbz:38-799102
Identification Number: 10.3389/fpubh.2025.1578949
Journal or Publication Title: Frontiers in Public Health
Volume: 13
Date: 9 July 2025
Publisher: Frontiers
ISSN: 2296-2565
Language: English
Faculty: Faculty of Medicine
Divisions: Faculty of Medicine > Arbeitsmedizin > Institut und Poliklinik für Arbeitsmedizin, Umweltmedizin und Präventionsforschung
Subjects: Medical sciences Medicine
['eprint_fieldname_oa_funders' not defined]: Publikationsfonds UzK
Refereed: Yes
URI: http://kups.ub.uni-koeln.de/id/eprint/79910

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