Which group of people might present with symptoms similar to lead poisoning due to moonshine production?

Individuals involved in distillation, specifically those producing moonshine, are at risk of presenting with symptoms similar to lead poisoning due to the potential use of lead-containing materials during the distillation process. Historically, many older stills and distilling equipment were manufactured using lead solder or lead components, which can leach into the alcohol being produced. If ingested, this contaminated moonshine can lead to lead toxicity, resulting in neurocognitive symptoms (such as confusion, memory loss, and peripheral neuropathy), gastrointestinal issues, and hematological manifestations, such as anemia.

In contrast, the other groups listed—construction workers, auto mechanics, and hospital staff—are generally not involved in processes that would expose them to lead in the same manner as distillers. While construction workers can be exposed to lead due to old paint and certain building materials, it is not specific to the symptoms related to moonshine production. Auto mechanics may have some exposure to heavy metals through various components, but again, it’s not as directly linked as with distillation processes. Hospital staff typically have little to no direct exposure to lead in their work environment related to alcohol distillation. Thus, those engaged in illegal distillation activities are most likely to demonstrate symptoms consistent with lead poisoning due to