|
|
Article: Lead toxicity.(Lead: The Poisoning Continues)(Disease/Disorder overview)
- Article from:
- Synthesis/Regeneration
- Article date:
- September 22, 2006
- Author:
CopyrightCOPYRIGHT 2006 WD Press. This material is published under license from the publisher through the Gale Group, Farmington Hills, Michigan. All inquiries regarding rights should be directed to the Gale Group. (Hide copyright information)
|
Having lead in your body is like putting a CD-ROM in your DVD recorder--the shapes are similar but they don't work the same. Lead, in the form in which it affects biological systems, has the same +2 charge and roughly the same size as calcium ions. Lead ions are also similar to zinc and iron ions. Lead ions take the place of calcium, zinc and iron ions in many overlapping biochemical pathways. By substituting for essential minerals, lead can do permanent and severe damage to humans and other animals.
Because it is an element, lead does not degrade or lose its toxic effect over time. Being toxic on such a basic level, it is important to note that there is no known ...