Background: Environmental pollution and also the continuous exposure of human beings to toxic heavy metals (e.g. Mercury, Cadmium and Lead) is a seriously growing problem throughout the world. Exposure to metals has risen dramatically in the last fifty years as the result of exponential increase in the use of heavy metals in industrial processes and products. Although we are usually exposed to metals in a latent manner and in small daily doses, as they are present in various environmental components, foods and materials. Heavy metals occur as natural constituents of the earth shell, and are persistent environmental contaminants since they cannot be degraded or destroyed. This study reviews the effects of Lead as one of these heavy metals on different parts of the human body.

Materials and Methods: Pubmed database has been searched to prepare the review.

Results: Lead is the most significant toxin of the heavy metals, and its inorganic form is absorbed through ingestion by food, water, and inhalation. When ingested, they combine with the body’s biomolecules (e.g. proteins and enzymes) to form stable biotoxic compounds, thereby mutilating their structures and hindering them from the bioreactions of their functions. Lead poisoning causes inhibition of the synthesis of haemoglobin, results in dysfunctions in the kidneys, joints and reproductive systems, cardiovascular system and acute or chronic damage to the central and peripheral nervous system.

Conclusion: Lead through poor development of the grey matter of the brain affects children health, thereby resulting in poor intelligence quotient. Moreover, acute and chronic effects of Lead result in psychosis.