Abstract
There are different types of pollutants existing today. Industrialization, an important aspect of modernization and globalization, is characterized by increasing levels of environmental pollution. Industrialization processes use and produce compounds harmful to the environment. In this paper, a critical analysis of lead and lead compounds as toxicant pollutants was analyzed.
It was found that lead and lead compounds may find their way into the environment as soil, air, and water pollutants. Individuals are exposed to these toxic pollutants through industrial processes, food consumption, drinking water, and contaminated air. The carcinogenic effects of these compounds on humans are not well known. However, lead and lead compounds are known to cause different types of cancers in mice and other rodents.
Toxic chemicals are some of the most hazardous pollutants found in the world today. They include mercury and such other chemicals. Lead is an example of a toxicant that poses a threat to the environment through soil, water, and air pollution (Hotz, 2006).
In this paper, the author analyzes lead and lead compounds as sources of air, water, and soil pollution. An illustration of how individuals are exposed to lead under different circumstances is provided. In addition to an analysis of the toxic effects of lead and lead compounds, the exposure limit of this toxicant is reviewed.
Lead and Lead Compounds: Toxic Pollutants
Many chemicals contain lead and lead compounds. In addition to pollution, lead is believed to cause lead poisoning or plumbism (Technology Planning and Management Corporation, 2003). Individuals are exposed to lead and lead compounds through contaminated air, water, soil, and food compounds (Hotz, 2006).
Exposure to Lead and Lead Compounds
Overview
As mentioned earlier, lead is a common pollutant found in different chemicals used in industrial and other processes. For example, lead acid batteries used in industries are known to be sources of pollution. Manufacture of plastic wires and plastics is also known to be a major source of lead pollution (Technology Planning and Management Corporation, 2003). Lead can be absorbed into the body through inhalation when one is in places where the air is contaminated.
Lead can be ingested through food substances generated from plants grown in soil that is contaminated with this compound. Dermal exposure is another way through which lead and lead compounds can get into one’s body system (Hotz, 2006). Lead and lead compounds may be found in drinking water.
For example, rain water may absorb airborne dust that is contaminated with lead and lead compounds. When such water is tapped for human consumption (through rivers, aquifers, and lakes), lead finds its way into the human body (Hotz, 2006).
Occupational Exposure
In the process of carrying out their day-to-day activities, individuals may be exposed to lead and lead compounds. Such exposure occurs when the individual comes into contact with products that contain lead and lead compounds.
Such products include, among others, radiation shields, plumbing systems, and jet engines. In addition, those who engage in welding, rubber manufacturing, and paint production are prone to lead exposure. Individuals exposed to lead and lead compounds put their family at risk of lead poisoning (Kacew & Lee, 2013).
Exposure through Food Consumption and Paints
Consumption of food contaminated with lead and lead compounds, as well as the use of devices that emit lead, may lead to exposure. Paints used in homes contain lead and lead compounds. It is confirmed at the household level, individuals, especially children, are exposed to lead through paint (Hotz, 2006).
Exposure Limits
The standard permissible exposure limit (PEL) for lead is specified by the authorities. The limit is set at 50 ug/m (3) micrograms at an average of 8 hours in a given working day (Hotz, 2006). The authorities require these standard exposure limits to be enforced in all places of work. Employers need to monitor levels of exposure regularly to ensure the safety of employees. Employers should initiate medical surveillance programs. They should also train employees on safe lead handling procedures (Hotz, 2006).
Toxic Effects of Lead and Lead Compounds
Lead compounds have ecotoxicological effects on water. Such effects lead to water hazard class II. Higher concentration of these compounds in water negatively affects plant growth, contaminating the food chain in a given ecosystem. Plants absorb lead compounds from soil, negatively affecting their growth. The pollutant impairs the central nervous system. It inhibits the synthesis of red blood cells in animals and plants (Hotz, 2006).
Carcinogenic Nature of Lead and Lead Compounds and Risk Assessment
The carcinogenic attributes of lead and lead compounds are not well known. Scholars contend that exposure to lead is mainly associated with lung, stomach, and urinary tract cancers. Experiments carried out on rodents show that lead compounds cause brain tumors or glioma in rats (Hotz, 2006). When mice are injected with intraperitoneal, they develop lung tumors or adenoma. As a result of these findings, lead is suspected to cause various types of cancers, such as those mentioned above (Hotz, 2006).
Conclusion
Individuals who come into contact with lead and lead compounds due to the nature of their occupation should be informed about this pollutant. Frequent testing should be carried out in occupational places and on the environment to detect and deal with lead pollution. Measures should be put in place to reduce or eliminate chances of lead pollution in the environment.
References
Hotz, M. C. (2006). Health effects of lead. Ottawa: Commission on Lead in the Environment.
Kacew, S., & Lee, B. (2013). Lu’s basic toxicology fundamentals, target organs, and risk assessment (6th ed.). London: Informa Healthcare.
Technology Planning and Management Corporation. (2003). Final report on carcinogens background document for lead and lead compounds. Web.