The Paradox of Lead Toxicity

Lead is widely used in hundreds of
products but it is non-biodegradable, hence it is
simultaneously a versatile product and at the same time a
subtle and persistent poison. This is the paradox of lead
toxicity. Exposure to lead is a threat to the health and to
physical development of young children and adults. The
characteristic features of lead toxicity, including anemia,
colic, neuropathy, nephropathy, sterility, and coma, were
noted both by Hippocrates and Nikander in ancient times. We
found that lower concentration of lead could induce
significant DNA damage and strand breaks in the chromosomes.
Biomarkers of Molecular toxicity studies showed DNA strand
breaks, micro nuclei, apoptosis and necrosis. Lead is a
genotoxicant and certain factors like, duration of exposure
and habitats and other demographic factors of the
individuals enhance the toxicity. It was found that
hemoglobin levels were comparatively low in volunteers with
higher blood lead levels, but there was a definite role of
other factors like nutritional status, calcium and Iron
intake and genotypes of certain genes of the individuals.