Blood Lead Level -A Review

Abstract :Lead is a toxic metal whose widespread use has created major environmental contamination and health problems in many parts of the world. Human exposure to lead is estimated to account for 143000 deaths every year and 0.6% of the global burden of disease. Lead is a cumulative toxicant that affects multiple body systems, including the neurological, hematological, gastrointestinal, cardiovascular and renal systems. The finding of lead pollution can be difficult when there is no clear history of exposure, because lead affected individuals can be asymptomatic, and signs and symptoms, when they are present, are relatively nonspecific. Laboratory investigations are the only reliable way to diagnose lead ? exposed individuals and therefore play an essential role in the identification and management of lead pollution and in the assessment of occupational and environmental lead exposure. Today, laboratories primarily assess lead exposure with whole blood lead measurements. Although a number of other human tissues and fluids, such as hair, teeth, bone and urine, also reflect lead exposure, the concentration of lead in whole blood has gained wide acceptance as the most useful tool for screening and diagnostic testing. Depending on the exposure levels, lead is said to have both mild and adverse effects on the nervous system, peripheral nervous system, growth and development, cognitive development, behavior, hearing, sight, movement and muscular activities, digestive system, excretory system, blood and circulation. In severe lead level, it can also lead to death. In this article blood lead level and health effects has been discussed.