Divine Aleru is an accomplished biochemist and researcher with a specialized background in environmental toxicology, focusing on the impacts of heavy metals on human health. With deep-rooted expertise in microbiome signatures analysis, Divine seamlessly blends rigorous scientific training with her passion for deciphering the intricate relationships between environmental exposures and the human microbiome. Her career is distinguished by a commitment to advancing integrative health interventions, leveraging cutting-edge microbiome research to illuminate how toxic metals shape biological systems. Driven by curiosity and innovation, Divine is dedicated to translating complex environmental findings into actionable insights that improve individual and public health outcomes. 
Divine Aleru is an accomplished biochemist and researcher with a specialized background in environmental toxicology, focusing on the impacts of heavy metals on human health. With deep-rooted expertise in microbiome signatures analysis, Divine seamlessly blends rigorous scientific training with her passion for deciphering the intricate relationships between environmental exposures and the human microbiome. Her career is distinguished by a commitment to advancing integrative health interventions, leveraging cutting-edge microbiome research to illuminate how toxic metals shape biological systems. Driven by curiosity and innovation, Divine is dedicated to translating complex environmental findings into actionable insights that improve individual and public health outcomes. What was issued?
The review presents updated information on the health risks linked to chronic exposure to cadmium (Cd) and lead (Pb). This includes their nephrotoxic effects and potential for mortality from common diseases such as cancer, cardiovascular diseases (CVD), and kidney disease. The review examines the current tolerable intake levels of these metals, discussing various epidemiological studies that analyze the risks associated with environmental exposure. The review also critiques the existing thresholds for Cd exposure, emphasizing that current guidelines may not sufficiently protect against nephrotoxicity and mortality.
Who is affected?
The review indicates that populations worldwide, especially those with long-term environmental exposure to cadmium and lead, are at risk. High-risk groups include individuals in occupational settings with elevated exposure to these metals, as well as those living in areas with environmental contamination. This review also highlights the risk to the general population from dietary intake, which can vary across countries. Vulnerable groups such as children, pregnant women, and individuals with pre-existing health conditions like hypertension or diabetes are particularly at risk due to their heightened sensitivity to heavy metal toxicity.
Most important findings
The review highlights several key findings regarding cadmium and lead exposure. Chronic exposure to even low levels of Cd and Pb can significantly increase the risk of kidney damage, chronic kidney disease (CKD), and mortality from cardiovascular disease, cancer, and Alzheimer’s disease. For cadmium, the conventional urinary threshold limit of 5.24 µg/g creatinine is considered insufficient for health protection, as even lower levels of cadmium in urine are linked to kidney damage. Additionally, lead exposure levels as low as 1 µg/dL in blood are associated with detrimental health effects, including an increased risk of cancer and cardiovascular mortality. The interaction between cadmium and lead exposure is also crucial, as Pb may exacerbate the nephrotoxicity of Cd, highlighting the importance of reducing co-exposure to both metals.
Key implications
The findings of this review have significant implications for both public health and industry practices. Public health guidelines and regulations need to be updated to account for the cumulative and synergistic effects of lead and cadmium exposure. Current tolerable intake levels and threshold limits for these metals do not provide adequate protection, particularly for vulnerable populations. Food safety regulations must focus on minimizing cadmium and lead contamination in the food supply. This may involve stricter controls on environmental pollution, setting lower limits for heavy metal concentrations in food, and improving public awareness of the health risks associated with heavy metal exposure. The review also underscores the need for global regulatory alignment to ensure the protection of populations, particularly in countries with high levels of contamination.
Citation
Satarug, S., Gobe, G. C., Vesey, D. A., & Phelps, K. R. (2020). Cadmium and Lead Exposure, Nephrotoxicity, and Mortality. Toxics, 8(4), 86. https://doi.org/10.3390/toxics8040086
Cadmium is a persistent heavy metal that accumulates in kidneys and bones. Dietary sources include cereals, cocoa, shellfish and vegetables, while smokers and industrial workers receive higher exposures. Studies link cadmium to kidney dysfunction, bone fractures and cancer.
Lead is a neurotoxic heavy metal with no safe exposure level. It contaminates food, consumer goods and drinking water, causing cognitive deficits, birth defects and cardiovascular disease. HMTC’s rigorous lead testing applies ALARA principles to protect infants and consumers and to prepare brands for tightening regulations.
