Lead: A concise review of its toxicity, mechanism and health effect

Abstract

Heavy metal toxicity over the years has been proven to be a source of diverse health risks. Thou these metals, play certain biological roles, they are in excess amount get accumulated in the body and food chain displaying a chronic effect in the long run. Lead toxicity is an important environmental disease and its effects on the human body are devastating with its toxicity dependent upon the absorbed dose, the route of exposure as well as the duration of exposure. There is almost no function in the human body which is not affected by lead toxicity. Lead is highly persistent in the environment and because of its continuous use, its levels rise in almost every country particularly in developing countries like Nigeria where it occupies unique physical and chemical properties that make it suitable for a large number of applications. Various public health measures have been undertaken to control, prevent and treat lead toxicity occurring at various levels, such as occupational exposure, accidents and environmental factors. This article reviews the works listed in scientific literatures with recent updates regarding the toxicity of lead. Focus is also on the biomarkers of lead toxicity on the renal, hematological and oxidative stress conditions.