Environmental Lead Exposure—A Continuing Challenge

LeadLead is one the most abundantly present heavy metalHeavy metal on the earth crest, use of which in many can be traced back to 7000–6500 B.C. A low concentration of lead can be seen in an optimum range but when the concentration reaches up to 150–300 ppm in the environmentEnvironment, it can pose a serious threat to individual health. In the environment, leadLead can be found in both organic and inorganic forms with inorganic lead being the most predominant. The majority of lead pollution is caused by human activity to harvest and exploit the metalMetal. In the early twentieth century, industrial workers who were working in painting, smelting, printing, plumbing, and other industries were heavily exposed to leadLead. Due to the use of lead in petrol after the invention of motor vehicles at the beginning of the twentieth century, there was a significant rise in ambient lead contaminationLead contamination. Brain and spinal cord is the most prominent organ among those harmed by leadLead. Young individual’s intellectual development suffers long-lasting negative impacts from low-level chronic Pb exposureExposure. Apart from that exposureExposure to lead can have detrimental effects on different organ systems of the body. Chronic low-level lead exposureExposure can have a long-lasting effect on the well-being of a new generation. The main focus of this chapter is to study the distribution, toxicology, and remediation of leadLead toxicityToxicity throughout the decades.