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Harmful Effects of Heavy Metals on the Human Body | |||||||
Paper Id :
17647 Submission Date :
2021-09-17 Acceptance Date :
2021-09-22 Publication Date :
2021-09-25
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Abstract |
Heavy metals are metallic elements with high atomic weights that can be found naturally in the environment or released through human activities such as industrial processes and pollution. While some heavy metals are essential for normal body functions in trace amounts, prolonged exposure or excessive accumulation of heavy metals can have detrimental effects on human health. This abstract provides a concise overview of the harmful effects of heavy metals on the human body.
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Keywords | Heavy metals, human body, Harmful Effects of Heavy Metals, Lead, Mercury etc. | ||||||
Introduction |
Heavy metals are naturally occurring elements that can be found in the environment. While some heavy metals, such as iron and zinc, are essential for human health in trace amounts, excessive exposure to certain heavy metals can have detrimental effects on the human body. Heavy metals, including lead, mercury, cadmium, and arsenic, are known for their toxicity and can accumulate in various tissues and organs, leading to severe health complications. This article explores the harmful effects of heavy metals on the human body and highlights the importance of minimizing exposure to these toxic substances.
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Objective of study | Investigate the harmful effects of heavy metals on the human body and their potential health risks. |
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Review of Literature | According to a study conducted by the NGO Pure Earth and UNICEF, in 2019, around 275 million children worldwide were estimated to have blood lead levels above five micrograms per deciliter (µg/dL). India accounted for over 275,000 cases. According to a study published in the journal Environmental Science and Pollution Research in 2018, cadmium contamination in rice samples collected from various regions of India exceeded the permissible limits set by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI)
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Main Text |
Heavy metals such as
lead, mercury, cadmium, arsenic, and chromium are known to pose significant
risks to human health. They can enter the body through various routes,
including ingestion, inhalation, or skin contact. Once inside the body, these
metals can accumulate in vital organs such as the liver, kidneys, brain, and
bones, disrupting their normal functions. The harmful effects of
heavy metals on the human body are diverse and can impact multiple systems.
Neurological effects include cognitive impairment, memory loss, developmental
delays in children, and increased risk of neurodegenerative disorders such as
Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases. Heavy metal exposure has also been linked
to cardiovascular problems, including hypertension, atherosclerosis, and heart
disease. Furthermore,
heavy metals can interfere with the endocrine system, disrupting hormone
production and regulation. This disruption may lead to reproductive disorders,
hormonal imbalances, and impaired growth and development. Additionally, heavy
metals have been associated with liver and kidney damage, respiratory issues,
compromised immune function, and increased cancer risk.
Certain
populations, such as children, pregnant women, and individuals with
pre-existing health conditions, are particularly vulnerable to the harmful
effects of heavy metals. Therefore, it is crucial to minimize exposure to heavy
metals by implementing strict regulations and monitoring in industrial
processes, food production, and environmental management. 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
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. |
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Conclusion |
Exposure to heavy metals poses significant risks to human health, with various heavy metals affecting different organ systems and leading to a range of health complications. Minimizing exposure to heavy metals is crucial, and this can be achieved through measures such as reducing industrial pollution, using proper protective equipment in occupational settings, ensuring the safety of water and food sources, and implementing stringent regulations and monitoring systems. Public awareness, education, and responsible waste disposal practices are essential in mitigating the harmful effects of heavy metals on the human body and promoting a healthier environment for all. |
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