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Al-Tamimi, et al.

and ecosystems. Heavy metals tend to bioaccumulate, Neuropathies while Nickel toxicity has been linked
3,4
leading to progressively higher concentrations in to an increased risk of cancer and dermatological
organisms over time. In recent years, the use of heavy conditions. 16
5
metals in agriculture and industry has increased. Cadmium toxicity primarily affects the respiratory
6
When consumed through contaminated drinking system, with inhalation leading to flu-like symptoms.
water, these substances can have detrimental effects Prolonged exposure through smoke inhalation has been
on human health. Industrial expansion has further associated with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
4
increased human exposure to heavy metals. Among and chronic bronchitis. Lung cancer is one of the most
7
the most common heavy metals associated with human likely diseases if we consider that cadmium causes
poisoning are lead (Pb), arsenic (As), manganese (Mn), cancer. Cadmium is also a known carcinogen, with
cadmium (Cd), nickel (Ni), chromium (Cr), and copper lung cancer being a significant health risk. Ingesting
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(Cu). Bioaccumulation of heavy metals in the human cadmium-contaminated food or drinking water can
body leads to toxic effects on various tissues and cells. adversely impact the gastrointestinal tract, leading to
8
Acute and chronic toxic effects can result in serious renal toxicity and kidney damage. Chronic cadmium
complications, including nervous system disorders, exposure is also associated with itai-itai disease and
13
gastrointestinal and renal dysfunction, blood vessel an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. Clinical
12
damage, skin lesions, immune system dysfunction, birth manifestations of chronic cadmium toxicity include
defects, and cancer. 9,10 proteinuria, glucosuria, osteomalacia, aminoaciduria,
Lead toxicity has significant adverse effects on the and emphysema while those of chromium toxicity
human body, particularly on the neurological, renal, include ulcers, perforation of nasal septum, and
and reproductive systems. 11,12 The kidneys are the respiratory cancer.
primary organs affected, with lead exposure leading Some heavy metals, such as chromium and
to nephropathy and renal failure. As the primary nickel, have been linked to cancer in exposed human
13
route of lead excretion, the kidneys play a crucial role populations. Long-term inhalation of chromium
in detoxification. Lead exposure can also result in can irritate the respiratory system, increasing lung
12
developmental abnormalities, including intellectual sensitivity and the risk of lung cancer. The health
impairments in children and behavioral disturbances. effects of chromium poisoning extend to respiratory,
14
Children are particularly vulnerable to lead poisoning skin, gastrointestinal, cardiovascular, and reproductive
due to their increased exposure to lead-laden dust and a toxicity, as well as an elevated risk of cancer. Dermal
higher susceptibility to permanent neurological damage contact with toxic chromium compounds can result
compared to adults. Chronic lead toxicity is associated in skin ulcers and dermatitis. High levels of copper
15
12
with encephalopathy, peripheral neuropathy, central exposure can destroy red blood cells, which in turn
nervous disorders, and anemia. 16 leads to anemia. Excessive copper accumulation may
Arsenic exposure poses significant health risks, also cause liver toxicity, which, at extreme doses, can
affecting many parts of the human body. It has be fatal. 16
17
been linked to gastrointestinal and hepatic disorders, The presence of these metals in water represents a
vascular diseases, and cardiovascular and respiratory significant environmental concern, threatening both
complications. Chronic arsenic poisoning is closely aquatic ecosystems and public health. Elevated
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linked to skin, lung, and bladder cancer. Long-term levels of heavy metals, including arsenic, cadmium,
exposure to arsenic through drinking water can manganese, iron (Fe), copper, mercury (Hg), zinc (Zn),
cause cancer in these organs in a dose-dependent chromium, and selenium (Se), pose significant risks
manner. High levels of arsenic exposure can also to human health, especially to children. Industrial
20
12
lead to neurological disorders, including peripheral discharges, especially from tanneries, have caused
neuropathy. In addition, cognitive impairment in a substantial rise in heavy metal concentrations in
18
both children and adults has been associated with water and soil worldwide. 21-23 The presence of heavy
arsenic toxicity. Clinical manifestations of chronic metals in groundwater is controlled by both natural
arsenic toxicity include perforation of the nasal septum, and human-made factors. Natural factors include
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respiratory cancer, and peripheral neuropathy, as well as soil leaching, mineral weathering, aquifer type, water
dermatological conditions and increased cancer risk. 16 infiltration quality, and residence time. Anthropogenic
Chronic exposure to increased manganese levels sources primarily stem from industrial and household
has been associated with Central and Peripheral wastewater, soil contamination, urban stormwater,

Volume 22 Issue 2 (2025) 52 doi: 10.36922/AJWEP025040020