MECHANISM AND TOXIC EFFECTS OF SOME HEAVY METAL ON HUMAN HEALTH

The most promising challenge of developing industries is the release of heavy metals in the environment. Though there have been much efforts made during past decade to eliminate the release of these metals by the developed countries yet the risk is increasing continuously as these metals can neither be destroyed nor can be recycled easily. Moreover use of new therapies for the cure of many carcinogenic diseases and neurogenetic disorders also require the consumption of heavy metals in one form or other. Because of a high level of toxicity heavy metals like arsenic, mercury ,lead ,chromium and aluminium are of primary concern for public health . Toxic effect that can be caused by these heavy metals depends mainly upon amount of dose consumed , the route of vulnerability and length of exposure to the heavy metal i.e. severe or persistent. Toxicity caused by these metals can lead to oxidative stress due to the genesis of free radicals and may result in excessive health hazards .This review article aims to discuss the sources of exposure ,mechanism of toxicity, health effects along with some common diseases caused in human by these heavy metals.