Environmental and Occupational Lead Toxicity: Some Current Considerations

Abstract

The role of trace elements in human health is not well understood. Lead is generally regarded as a toxic trace element with no beneficial effects. However, the adverse effects of lead resulting from environmental and occupational exposure have been the subject of extensive research. There is still controversy over whether lead from petrol is the main source of lead for most people. There have been a number of reports of lead contamination of food, air and water, however there is some question about the accuracy of the reported data and hence the conclusions drawn. Although certain aspects of lead toxicity are reasonably well understood there is still uncertainty about the maximum acceptable safe level and also about the wide variety of factors that affect the absorption and retention, and hence toxicity, of lead. Of particular interest is the Influence of dietary factors on lead toxicity.