EC Orthopaedics

Review Article Volume 14 Issue 8 - 2023

Environmental Heavy Metals: Adverse Effects on the Human Skeletal System

Sudeep Chawla1†, Nicholas A Kerna2,3*†, John V Flores4, Dabeluchi C Ngwu5,6, ND Victor Carsrud7, Hilary M Holets4, Precious C Obiako8, Ochuko S Ayisire8, Kehinde Tolulope Olaleye9 and Devin McKee10<

1Chawla Health & Research, USA

2Independent Global Medical Researchers Consortium

3First InterHealth Group, Thailand

4Orange Partners Surgicenter, USA

5Cardiovascular and Thoracic Surgery Unit, Department of Surgery, Federal Medical Center, Umuahia, Nigeria

6Earthwide Surgical Missions, Nigeria

7Lakeline Wellness Center, USA

8Baylor University, USA

9Adventhealth Tampa, USA

10Bastyr University, College of Naturopathic Medicine, USA

*Corresponding Author:Nicholas A Kerna, (mailing address) POB47 Phatphong, Suriwongse Road, Bangkok, Thailand 10500. Contact: medpublab+drkerna@gmail.com
† indicates co-first author
Received: July 30, 2023; Published: July 31, 2023



Heavy metals (HM) are naturally occurring elements throughout the Earth's crust, spreading through natural/geogenic/lithogenic and anthropogenic sources. These metals can enter the human body through various means, including food and water consumption, inhalation of polluted air, skin contact, and, most significantly, occupational exposure in the workplace. Some HM, such as copper (Cu), colbalt (Co), iron (Fe), nickel (Ni), molybdenum (Mo), chromium (Cr), selenium (Se), manganese (Mn), and zinc (Zn), play essential functional roles in diverse physiological and biochemical activities in the body. However, when present in high doses, particular HM can be harmful, while others, like cadmium (Cd), mercury (Hg), lead (Pb), silver (Ag), and arsenic (As), even in minute quantities, can have harmful effects, causing acute and chronic toxicities. Cancer, neurodegeneration, cardiovascular disorders, and kidney damage in humans can occur. The industrial activities of the last century have significantly increased human exposure to HM. The toxicity of these elements depends on several factors, including their chemical forms, concentrations, interactions, and bioavailability. Therefore, monitoring and controlling the levels of HM in the environment and human health is crucial. Various methods and techniques have been developed to detect, measure, and remove HM from different environmental matrices and biological samples.

Moreover, several strategies have been proposed to prevent or treat HM-induced diseases, including remediation techniques, chelation therapy, activated sludge processes, antioxidant supplementation, and detoxification. This review aims to provide a brief overview of HM sources, pathways, effects, and environmental and human health management. It also highlights the current challenges and future perspectives in this field of research.

Keywords: Cardiovascular Disorders; Kidney Damage; Neurodegeneration; Oxidative Stress and Damage to DNA

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Chawla S, Kerna NA, Flores JV, Ngwu DC, Carsrud NDV, Holets HM, Obiako PC, Ayisire OS, Olaleye KT. McKee D. “Environmental Heavy Metals: Adverse Effects on the Human Skeletal System”. EC Orthopaedics 14.8 (2023): 01-17.

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