Question about Zinc Levels - please help

[RFWB]

Hello Folks;

I've been lurking around the site here for a few months, as I've started my nursing education (2nd career, finishing pre-req.'s for an accelerated BSN). I've been meaning to get around to putting out a post to say hello....so, first of all:"Hello!". I've found this site very helpful, incredibly informative, and always thought-provoking.

However, today I got some news that prompted me to stop procrastinating and get around to posting: Evidently, my Dad, who works in an industrial setting, has had repeated blood testing indicating a dangerously high Zinc level. His Dr. (D.O., Internal Medicine) evidently knows nothing about this and has referred him to specialists - who of course can't see him until MAY '07. No one has given him ANY info regarding what these tests could mean or what could be wrong.

I've tried digging up some research about Zinc levels and what they indicate/effect- but it's way too much to make sense of without a little help. Can anyone give me a basic idea as to what this means? There's a concern about environmental "poisoning" issues that prompted these tests - and of course we're worried. Anyone who can help with some basic info on baseline/elevated zinc levels, what they might mean, severity etc, would be my new hero. :)

Thanks in advance!

[P_RN, ADN, RN]

We can't even begin to give medical advice, but if it were my dad I think I'd push, push, push for a quicker referral. I believe that workers compensation might even be a source. But I'm afraid I have to close this. Please continue to read and post and good luck on school.