Lead toxicity: a review

Lead toxicity: a review

2015 | Ab Latif WANI, Anjum ARA, Jawed Ahmad USMANI
Lead toxicity is a significant environmental health issue with widespread effects on the human body. Lead, a toxic heavy metal, is persistent in the environment and has been used historically for its unique physical and chemical properties. Despite regulations in developed countries, lead remains prevalent in developing nations, posing serious health risks. Lead toxicity affects nearly all organs, with the nervous system being the most vulnerable, particularly in children. Lead exposure can lead to cognitive impairments, behavioral issues, and developmental delays in children, while adults may experience neurological and renal damage. Lead poisoning is also linked to reproductive issues, including reduced fertility and increased risk of miscarriage. Lead enters the body through various routes, including ingestion, inhalation, and skin contact, often from contaminated food, water, soil, or lead-based products. Blood lead levels are a key indicator of exposure, with thresholds set for adults and children. Detection methods include blood tests and X-ray analysis of bone structures. Lead poisoning can be diagnosed through clinical symptoms and laboratory tests, such as measuring erythrocyte protoporphyrin levels. Prevention and treatment involve reducing exposure, using chelation therapy with agents like EDTA and succimer, and employing antioxidants and nano-encapsulation techniques. Lead toxicity is preventable, and early intervention is crucial. The article highlights the importance of public awareness, education, and regulatory measures to mitigate lead exposure, especially in children and pregnant women. Lead toxicity disrupts multiple physiological systems, including the nervous, digestive, respiratory, and reproductive systems, and has no known physiological role in the body. Despite its harmful effects, lead toxicity can be managed through various treatment strategies, emphasizing the need for prevention over cure.Lead toxicity is a significant environmental health issue with widespread effects on the human body. Lead, a toxic heavy metal, is persistent in the environment and has been used historically for its unique physical and chemical properties. Despite regulations in developed countries, lead remains prevalent in developing nations, posing serious health risks. Lead toxicity affects nearly all organs, with the nervous system being the most vulnerable, particularly in children. Lead exposure can lead to cognitive impairments, behavioral issues, and developmental delays in children, while adults may experience neurological and renal damage. Lead poisoning is also linked to reproductive issues, including reduced fertility and increased risk of miscarriage. Lead enters the body through various routes, including ingestion, inhalation, and skin contact, often from contaminated food, water, soil, or lead-based products. Blood lead levels are a key indicator of exposure, with thresholds set for adults and children. Detection methods include blood tests and X-ray analysis of bone structures. Lead poisoning can be diagnosed through clinical symptoms and laboratory tests, such as measuring erythrocyte protoporphyrin levels. Prevention and treatment involve reducing exposure, using chelation therapy with agents like EDTA and succimer, and employing antioxidants and nano-encapsulation techniques. Lead toxicity is preventable, and early intervention is crucial. The article highlights the importance of public awareness, education, and regulatory measures to mitigate lead exposure, especially in children and pregnant women. Lead toxicity disrupts multiple physiological systems, including the nervous, digestive, respiratory, and reproductive systems, and has no known physiological role in the body. Despite its harmful effects, lead toxicity can be managed through various treatment strategies, emphasizing the need for prevention over cure.
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Understanding Lead toxicity%3A a review