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Heavy Metal Exposure and its Health Implications: A Comprehensive Review
Ghizal Fatima1, Ammar Mehdi Raza2, Priya Dhole3
1Department of Biotechnology, Era University, Lucknow, India.
Indian Journal of Clinical Biochemistry : IJCB
|March 16, 2026
Summary
Toxic metal exposure from environmental sources poses global health risks. Reducing pollution and implementing global policies are crucial to prevent severe health issues like cancer and neurotoxicity.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Health
- Toxicology
- Public Health
Background:
- Toxic metals like lead, mercury, arsenic, and cadmium are pervasive environmental contaminants from natural and anthropogenic sources.
- Human exposure occurs via inhalation, ingestion, and dermal contact with contaminated media.
- These metals induce cellular damage through oxidative stress, enzyme inhibition, and biomolecular binding, leading to inflammation and apoptosis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To summarize the global health implications of toxic metal exposure.
- To outline the mechanisms of cellular damage and resulting health consequences.
- To highlight strategies for prevention and mitigation of toxic metal exposure.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of environmental contamination sources and human exposure pathways.
- Analysis of toxicological mechanisms of metal-induced cellular dysfunction.
- Synthesis of health outcomes and epidemiological data related to specific metals.
- Review of current and proposed regulatory and public health interventions.
Main Results:
- Toxic metals cause multi-systemic health effects, including neurotoxicity (lead, mercury), cardiovascular disease (cadmium), carcinogenicity (arsenic, cadmium), and kidney damage (cadmium, lead).
- Cellular damage pathways involve oxidative stress, enzyme interference, and DNA/protein binding.
- Environmental monitoring and biomarker assessments are vital for identifying at-risk populations.
Conclusions:
- Preventing toxic metal exposure necessitates stringent environmental regulations, pollution control, and public awareness.
- Collaborative local, national, and international efforts are essential to minimize contamination and safeguard public health.
- Promoting safer alternatives and implementing global policies are key strategies for mitigating long-term health risks.
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