Lead toxicity due to paint and other industrial sources and contradiction in its toxicity studies

Abstract

Lead  is  one  of  the  oldest  known  and  most  widely  studied  occupational  and  environmental  toxins.  Despite intensive study, there is still vigorous debate about the toxic effects of lead, both from low-level exposure in the general population  owing to environmental  pollution and historic use of lead in paint and plumbing  and from exposure in the occupational  setting. The majority of industries historically associated  with high lead exposure have made dramatic  advances  in their control of occupational  exposure.  However,  cases of unacceptably  high exposure  and even of frank lead poisoning  are still seen, predominantly  in the demolition  and tank cleaning industries.  Nevertheless,  in most  industries  blood  lead  levels  have  declined  below  levels  at  which  signs  or symptoms are seen and the current focus of attention is on the subclinical effects of exposure. The significance of some of these effects for the overt health of the workers  is often the subject  of debate.  Inevitably  there is pressure  to reduce lead exposure  in the general  population  and in working  environments,  but any legislation must be based on a genuine scientific evaluation of the available evidences. We will discuss in this article about the various Mechanism of actions due to toxicity of the lead.