Universität zu Köln

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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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