A comprehensive review of environmental exposure of Lead and its toxicity

The distribution of toxic heavy metals in the environment is a major concern in many industrialized countries purview of the human health. Although metals occur naturally in the environment but human activities cause more metals releases and have altered the natural cycling of the elements. Lead is used in the manufacture of batteries, metal products, paints, and ceramic glazes. Exposure to lead can occur from breathing contaminated workplace air or house dust or eating lead-based paint chips or contaminated dirt. Lead is a very toxic element, causing a variety of effects at low dose levels. Brain damage, kidney damage, and gastrointestinal distress are seen from acute (short-term) exposure to high levels of lead in humans. Chronic (long-term) exposure to lead in humans results in effects on the blood, central nervous system (CNS), blood pressure, kidneys, and Vitamin D metabolism.