<prompt> Which of the following is the earliest sign of lead poisoning?Facial pallorColic and constipationPunctate basophiliaEncephalopathy  <response>: Facial pallor paicularly of the mouth is the earliest and most consistent sign of chronic lead poisoning and is due to vasospasm. Chronic poisoning results from a daily intake of 1-2mg of lead. Other characteristic features of chronic lead poisoning are anaemia punctate basophilia, lead line, colic and constipation, lead palsy and encephalopathy. Reference: Essentials of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology by Dr K.S Narayan Reddy 27th edition page 479. 