Effects of Occupational Lead Exposure on Oxidative Stress and Essential Metal Homeostasis in Humans: A Scoping Review

Lead is a systemic toxic agent, and occupational exposure remains a serious public health problem. A search of PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science identified English-language studies published between 2015 and 2025 that included research assessing oxidative stress biomarkers and essential metals in adults occupationally exposed to lead. 45 studies with 7 314 participants were included. The findings demonstrate that occupational lead exposure increases reactive oxygen species production and oxidative damage (as evidenced by elevated levels of malondialdehyde, lipid hydroperoxides, and 8-OHdG). Concurrently, lead disrupts essential metal homeostasis (as reflected by reduced levels of zinc, calcium, magnesium, selenium, and copper). Occupational lead exposure induces oxidative stress, increases the number of DNA strand breaks and disruption of essential metal balance. Despite consistent evidence, limitations such as cross-sectional study designs, underrepresentation of female workers, and insufficient evaluation of mixed-metal exposure persist. These findings underscore the need for integrated biomonitoring of toxic and essential elements and for longitudinal studies to better inform prevention strategies and long-term risk assessment.