Lead (Pb): Health Effects and Assailable Populations |Biomedgrid

Lead is a soft, dull silver-grey metal found in galena mineral ore made up of lead sulfide and can be in combination with copper, zinc, and silver. This 37th most abundant metal is hazardous and affects humans and the environment. It is a widespread and persistent contaminant found in many occupational and environmental sources (Table 1) [1-7]. Environmental lead can be found in various forms, including metallic lead, lead salts, and organic leadcontaining carbon [8]. Exposure to lead can cause illness that has catastrophic consequences on the human body. While the use of lead has been limited to a level in developed nations but in developing countries like Pakistan, it continues to be used vigorously. Lead has unique physical and chemical characteristics that make it ideal for many uses. People have taken advantage of the historical period and therefore become a frequent contaminant of the environment [9,10].