Toxicity of Lead in Drinking Water

Lead (Pb) particles that detach from the plumbing and contaminate drinking water can pose a significant health threat, which is often underestimated. Because lead is a persistent metal, it is still present in the environment in water, brass plumbing fittings, soil, dust, and imported products manufactured with lead. Diagnosis of lead toxicity has traditionally been based on significantly elevated blood lead levels. Data now implicates low-level exposures and blood lead levels previously considered normal as causative factors in cognitive dysfunction, neuro behavioral disorders, neurological damage, hypertension, and renal impairment. Issues surrounding the assessment of body lead burden and the consequences of low-level environmental exposure are critical in the treatment of chronic disease related to lead toxicity.

Author(s): Aqsa Nazaqat* and Nadia Noureen

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