Lead Associated Nephrotoxicity: A Global Concern

ABSTRACT

Amongst toxic heavy metals, lead ranks as one of the most serious environmental poisons all over the world. An occupational and environmental exposure to lead remains a serious problem in many developing and industrializing countries, as well as in some developed countries. Lead exposure can be detrimental to every organ in the human body with kidney and brain being predominantly susceptible to its deleterious effects. An association between lead poisoning and renal diseases in humans has been recognized and documented by several studies. Excessive exposure to lead may cause acute or chronic nephrotoxic effects. Studies suggest that prolonged lead exposure may be an overlooked risk factor for chronic kidney disease. Majority of lead associated renal toxicity are a result of the previous chronic exposure, ongoing chronic exposure or current high acute exposure to lead. Both glomerular and tubular effects have been reported. Glomerular effects range from high molecular weight proteinuria to a nephritic syndrome whereas tubular changes consist of an enhanced urinary excretion of enzymes. Lead poisoning and associated nephrotoxicity is an important and preventable health problem that remains to be fully addressed. However due to lack of education regarding the dangers of working with lead or lead containing products, potential health hazards of lead poisoning still exist and are rising in India. The regulatory bodies should be more vigilant and make it mandatory to evaluate and create awareness among the workers as well as general population about the lead toxicity and should insist on regular health checkups to prevent adverse health effects.