Bar graph shows the ratio of the amount of heavy metal in urine on the first day to the total amount of heavy metal in urine for three days, for three heavy metals lead, arsenic and Cadmium.

Harmful Effects of Heavy Metals          

1. Neurological Effects: Heavy metals like lead, mercury, and arsenic can adversely affect the central nervous system, leading to cognitive impairment, developmental delays in children, memory loss, and neurological disorders.

2. Cardiovascular Issues: Chronic exposure to heavy metals, including cadmium and lead, has been linked to cardiovascular diseases, such as hypertension, atherosclerosis, and increased risk of heart attacks.

3. Kidney Damage: Certain heavy metals, notably lead, cadmium, and mercury, are known to accumulate in the kidneys and cause severe damage over time, leading to impaired renal function and potentially kidney failure.

4. Reproductive Problems: Heavy metals like lead and mercury can interfere with reproductive health in both males and females. They can disrupt hormone balance, decrease fertility, and increase the risk of miscarriages and birth defects.

5. Liver Dysfunction: Heavy metals, including cadmium and arsenic, can damage liver cells and impair their normal functioning, leading to liver dysfunction, inflammation, and an increased risk of liver diseases.

Overview of Heavy Essence toxin Exposure to Heavy Essence and Environmental Pollution

Heavy essence induce toxin to natural systems via relating to sulfhydryl groups and ROS generation. This causes inactivation of vital macromolecules and the circumstance of oxidative stress and reduction of glutathione. Following exposure to poisonous essence and entrance to the body, colorful processes be including commerce or inhibition of some metabolic pathways As a result, multitudinous dangerous goods on humans and creatures are observed. These include specific organ dysfunctions, metabolic abnormalities, altered hormones, natural complaint, vulnerable system dysfunction, and cancer thus, numerous transnational associations set norms regarding the presence of essence in the terrain, foods, and drinking water. In threat assessment studies, the presence of heavy essence in food and water is checked. anatomized 193 Ayurvedic medicinal products, notorious Indian herbal drugs, and set up that about one- fifth contained Hg, Pb, and As. It was set up that nearly 21 contained sensible situations of Pb, Hg, and As. Noticeably, all essence- containing products exceeded one or further norms for respectable diurnal essence input. This could affect in Pb and/ or Hg ingestions 100 to 10,000 times lesser than respectable limits either, the position of essence that can reach the body on a diurnal base is regulated. The diurnal lozenge limit for these heavy essence( μg/ day) is presented. diurnal lozenge limits for heavy essence in salutary supplements should be established by nonsupervisory authorities. likewise, it's needed that manufacturers assess their products for compliance with norms. Environmental pollution has indeed reached the pristine places. Indeed in an isolated position similar as Mount Everest heavy essence Pb, Cd, Cr, As, and Hg were detected. set up that all snow samples from Everest had As and Cd situations advanced than the USEPA drinking water guidelines. either, all soil samples were largely defiled with Oxidative stress and organ toxin following exposure to heavy essence. diurnal consumption limits for the five heavy essence(μg/ day) a Heavy Essence List to Thiol Group Following the entrance into the body, heavy essence can bind to lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids. List to enzymes and proteins generally occurs through thiol( – SH) groups and modifies cysteine remainders in proteins. As an illustration, response of Cd with the sulfhydryl group( – SH) in a protein is. similar protein inactivation is able of dismembering the intracellular redox state. Accordingly, an imbalanced antioxidant defense contributes to the development of liver injury. analogous responses can do with the other heavy essence. In complexation of heavy essence with thiol- containing proteins, the ligands are amino acids which contain the – SH functional Group Simplified schematic donation of the response of Cd essence ion with the thiol functional group; the two sulfhydryl groups are shown in cream color. ROS Generation poisonous essence are suitable to induce free revolutionaries, substantially ROS and RNS, which can induce oxidative stress. For illustration, arsenic has been shown to produce superoxide( O2 −.), oxygen( O2.), nitric oxide( NO.), hydrogen peroxide( H2O2), and peroxyl( ROO.) revolutionaries. Pb exposure significantly reduces antioxidant parameters GPx, CAT, SOD, GST, and GSH while it increases oxidative parameters MDA and H2O2. ROS and RNS generation convinced by Cr( VI) depletes cellular antioxidant power which results in oxidative stress and accordingly the toxin of DNA, lipid, and proteins. Cd could laterally induce O2 −., hydroxyl( OH), and NO. revolutionaries which could overwhelm cells ’ antioxidant defense It's believed that the poisonous goods of Hg on the CNS and cardiovascular system are related to the increase in ROS product. This causes a reduction in the exertion of antioxidant enzymes glutathione peroxidase, catalase, and SOD. also, high affinity of Hg for – SH groups can lead to dropped glutathione peroxidase exertion and also hindrance with intracellular signaling of numerous receptors. likewise, Me- Hg has the capacity to induce phospholipase D( PLD) activation. Increased PLD exertion has been shown to be involved in numerous mortal cancers and conditions Pb and Hg toxin is intermediated either directly via ROS product or laterally through the reduction of cellular antioxidants. still, Cd is believed to induce ROS laterally. This may be due to the relief of iron and bobby by Cd in cellular proteins. The oxidative stress is also as a result of redundant Fe and Cu accumulation. also, relief of the essential minerals disrupts the cell's natural metabolism. Alternately, Cd could disrupt the antioxidant glutathione which will ultimately lead to oxidative stress.

The Carcinogenicity of Heavy Essence

The medium of carcinogenicity of heavy essence is unclear and complicated. Carcinogenicity of some heavy essence is assumed to be due to their cling to nonsupervisory proteins that are involved in cell cycle regulation, DNA conflation and form, and apoptosis. either, toxicogenomic examinations punctuate the characterization of gene expressions after essence toxin. Recap factors similar as Activator Protein 1( AP- 1), Nuclear Factor- kappa B( NF- κB), and p53 are targets for Cd and As. As a result, controlling the expression of defensive genes failed, leading to unbridled cell growth and division A many studies have examined Ras proteins mutations or increased activation in carcinogenic heavy essence exposure showed overexpression of Ras in mortal prostate epithelial cells following As exposure. In another study, the elevation of the position of ERK1/2, as well as recap factors jun and fos, was observed in vitro by Cd. Cr( VI) also convinced overexpression of jun in dressed cells. The shifted Ras protein loses its capability to be inactivated and the kinase waterfall isn't turned off. either, boosted jun and fos or actuated ERK1/2 continues constantly the gene expression. therefore, a permanently actuated signalling pathway results in continuously actuated proliferation, leading to increased excrescence conformation. Arsenic is shown to inhibit DNA form by inhibiting poly ADP- ribose polymerase 1(PARP- 1), a responsible enzyme for DNA break form processes Resistance to apoptosis due to heavy essence exposure breaks down a introductory cell defense. It has been shown that Cd can induce nasty metamorphosis of the prostate epithelial cell line through increased apoptotic resistance. Apoptotic resistance is attributed to the overexpression of Bcl- 2 and dislocation of a specific pathway of apoptosis known as the JNK pathway Altered expression of genes involved in apoptosis and DNA form is proposed for resistance to apoptosis convinced by Cr6 also, hexavalent Cr causes DNA damage by inactivation of DNA ligase, DNA polymerase β, and PARP- 1. Deficient DNA form due to Cr leads to chromosome insecurity which is a crucial medium of Cr6- convinced carcinogenesis Epigenetic Mechanisms of Heavy Essence Heavy essence can promote epigenetic differences, including DNA methylation and histone revision. Hg, Pb, Cr, Cd, and As are able of DNA methylation. either, Hg, Pb, Cr, and As can make histone differences. still, there are no data available for Cd to induce histone variations. On the other hand, only Cd and As are reported to intervene expression of noncoding RNAs, another molecular medium of epigenetic regulation. The exact medium of epigenetic changes due to heavy essence exposure isn't completely determined. It seems that increased expression of protooncogenes and silencing of excrescence suppresser genes via intracellular ROS product are the underpinning causes DNA methylation is well known to inhibit the expression of some excrescence suppressors. As a result, changes in gene expression affect in the revision of the cellular division process and facilitation of nasty metamorphosis of cells Epigenetic dysregulations in mortal bronchial epithelial cells were reported following Cr6 exposure. set up increased situations of histone H3 methylation marks( H3K9me2 and H3K27me3) and histone methyltransferases. reported Cr- convinced methylation of the p16 gene, a excrescence suppressor gene, in the same cell line. also, epigenetic changes may attribute to the Cd and As poisonous and carcinogenic goods. DNA methylation as well as specific histone revision marks are associated with exposure to Cd and As 

1. Lead

Lead is a pervasive heavy metal that can enter the body through contaminated air, water, and food sources. Its harmful effects are particularly significant in children, as lead exposure can impair cognitive development, leading to learning difficulties and behavioural problems. In adults, lead exposure is associated with increased blood pressure, kidney damage, reproductive issues, and an elevated risk of cardiovascular diseases.

i. Lead exposure can occur through various sources such as lead-based paints, contaminated soil, drinking water, and industrial emissions.

ii. In children, lead exposure can lead to developmental delays, lower IQ levels, learning disabilities, and behavioural problems. It can also affect their hearing and cause kidney damage.

iii. In adults, lead exposure can cause high blood pressure, fertility issues, kidney damage, and neurological effects.

iv. Occupational exposure to lead is a significant concern in industries such as battery manufacturing, paint manufacturing, and metalworking.

v. In India, lead poisoning has been reported in several instances, including cases of lead contamination in drinking water and lead-acid battery recycling industries.

vi. Lead is commonly found in sources such as lead-acid batteries, paints, and contaminated water.

2. Mercury:

Mercury is a highly toxic heavy metal that primarily affects the nervous system. Exposure to mercury occurs through the consumption of contaminated fish and seafood or through occupational hazards. Prolonged exposure to mercury can lead to neurological disorders, including memory loss, cognitive impairment, and tremors. It can also affect the developing fetus, causing developmental delays and neurological damage in pregnant women.

i. Mercury exposure can occur through consumption of contaminated fish and seafood, dental amalgams, industrial emissions, and traditional medicines.

ii. In high amounts, mercury is known to cause neurological and developmental problems, particularly in fetuses and young children.

iii. The neurological effects of mercury can include impaired cognitive function, memory loss, tremors, and in severe cases, paralysis and death.

iv. Mercury pollution is a concern in India due to various industrial activities such as coal-fired power plants, artisanal and small-scale gold mining, and improper disposal of electronic waste. 

3. Cadmium:

Cadmium exposure usually occurs through contaminated air, soil, water, and food, particularly from industrial activities such as mining and battery production. This heavy metal accumulates in the kidneys, leading to kidney damage and impaired renal function. Cadmium exposure is also linked to lung damage, bone disorders such as osteoporosis, and an increased risk of certain cancers, including lung and prostate cancer.

i. Cadmium exposure can occur through contaminated food (especially rice and leafy vegetables), tobacco smoke, and industrial emissions (e.g., metal smelting and battery manufacturing).

ii. Chronic exposure to cadmium can lead to kidney damage, lung damage, and an increased risk of lung cancer.

iii. Cadmium can also affect bone health, causing a condition called Itai-Itai disease characterized by severe pain and skeletal deformities.

iv. In India, industrial pollution and improper waste management have contributed to cadmium contamination of soil and water in certain regions, leading to health concerns for nearby communities.

v. The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) in India has reported the presence of cadmium in soil, water, and air due to industrial activities.

4. Arsenic:

Arsenic is a naturally occurring heavy metal found in water, soil, and certain food sources. Chronic exposure to arsenic, usually through contaminated drinking water, can cause various health problems. Arsenic is a known carcinogen, associated with an increased risk of skin, lung, bladder, and kidney cancers. It can also lead to skin lesions, cardiovascular diseases, and neurological disorders.

i. Arsenic contamination is a significant issue in drinking water sources in various parts of India, particularly in states like West Bengal, Bihar, and Uttar Pradesh.

ii. Chronic arsenic exposure through drinking water has been linked to skin lesions, skin cancer, respiratory problems, cardiovascular diseases, and various cancers (e.g., lung, bladder, kidney).

iii. Arsenic contamination in groundwater is primarily attributed to natural geological sources but can also be exacerbated by industrial activities, mining, and improper waste disposal practices.

iv. Long-term exposure to arsenic can lead to various health problems, including skin lesions, cardiovascular diseases, developmental issues, and an increased risk of cancer.

5. Other Heavy Metals:

In addition to the four mentioned heavy metals, other toxic heavy metals, such as chromium, nickel, and aluminum, can also have harmful effects on the human body. Chromium and nickel are associated with respiratory issues, lung cancer, and dermatitis. Aluminum exposure has been linked to neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's and may impact bone health.

Solutions to Heavy Metal Exposure 

1. Prevention and Reduction: Implementing strict regulations and control measures to prevent heavy metal pollution is crucial. This includes monitoring industrial activities, implementing proper waste management systems, and enforcing environmental protection laws.

2. Public Awareness and Education: Raising awareness about the sources and health risks of heavy metal exposure is essential. Educating the public about safe practices, such as proper disposal of electronic waste and avoiding contaminated food and water sources, can help reduce exposure.

3. Regular Testing and Monitoring: Regular testing of air, water, soil, and food for heavy metal contamination is vital. This enables early detection and appropriate mitigation strategies to prevent human exposure.

4. Occupational Safety Measures: Ensuring the safety of workers in industries where heavy metal exposure is common is crucial. Implementing proper ventilation systems, personal protective equipment (PPE), and regular health check-ups can minimize occupational exposure.

5. Remediation Techniques: Developing and implementinge remediation techniques to remove heavy metals from contaminated environments is essential. This may include Phytoremediation, Bioremediation, and chemical treatment methods.