Lead (atomic symbol Pb) is a well-known substance found in many man made materials. It is used in building construction and is found in items such as batteries, bullets, and paint. It is also found in nature in the soil, dust, and in drinking water (1). The presence of lead in drinking water is a major public health concern; this substance is toxic if ingested. In pregnant mammals, lead poisoning will not only affect the mother, but will also transfer across the placenta and will harm the fetus (2). Lead has been shown to have negative effects on the immune system (3). Lead is primarily a neurotoxin, harming the central nervous system, primarily the hippocampus inside the brain, and interfering with “communications” between neurons in the brain
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Studies on lead exposure and its adverse effects on health of individuals began in the 1970s and countries from around the world were finding the same results about lead exposure (1). One study done on sperm morphology in adult males whose mothers were exposed to lead during pregnancy showed a significant increase in abnormal testicular and epididymal sperm morphology in their sons (4). Another study on immunology showed that the leukocyte count in the offspring of lead exposed mice was significantly decreased (3). Other studies done on how lead exposure in pregnant mice have shown decrease in birth weight of pups and also weight in organs such as the testes and the pituitary gland (5). This same study also submitted results of litter size of the lead exposed mice was reduced when compared to the control group …show more content…
It also interferes with neurotransmitters and neurons inside the brain and around the body. It does this by interfering with the release of the neurotransmitter called glutamate, which is important in many functions that deal with learning and cognitive abilities (2). Lead has also been shown to cause programmed brain cell death in many animal studies (6). Another way lead is toxic is by having a negative effect on the synthesis of heme, a cofactor substance required for hemoglobin and cellular respiration (2). This negative effect results in fatigue and anemia in beings exposed to
Studies on lead exposure and its adverse effects on health of individuals began in the 1970s and countries from around the world were finding the same results about lead exposure (1). One study done on sperm morphology in adult males whose mothers were exposed to lead during pregnancy showed a significant increase in abnormal testicular and epididymal sperm morphology in their sons (4). Another study on immunology showed that the leukocyte count in the offspring of lead exposed mice was significantly decreased (3). Other studies done on how lead exposure in pregnant mice have shown decrease in birth weight of pups and also weight in organs such as the testes and the pituitary gland (5). This same study also submitted results of litter size of the lead exposed mice was reduced when compared to the control group …show more content…
It also interferes with neurotransmitters and neurons inside the brain and around the body. It does this by interfering with the release of the neurotransmitter called glutamate, which is important in many functions that deal with learning and cognitive abilities (2). Lead has also been shown to cause programmed brain cell death in many animal studies (6). Another way lead is toxic is by having a negative effect on the synthesis of heme, a cofactor substance required for hemoglobin and cellular respiration (2). This negative effect results in fatigue and anemia in beings exposed to