Which parts of the body can be harmed by lead exposure?

Lead exposure is particularly harmful to various critical systems in the body, notably impacting blood cells, kidneys, and the heart. When lead enters the bloodstream, it can interfere with the production of hemoglobin, leading to anemia. This condition arises because lead affects the body’s ability to properly create and utilize red blood cells. Furthermore, lead can cause serious damage to the kidneys, which are essential for filtering waste from the blood. Prolonged exposure may result in kidney dysfunction or failure.

The heart is also at risk as high levels of lead can contribute to hypertension (high blood pressure) and other cardiovascular issues. Understanding these points is vital for recognizing how lead exposure can significantly impact health and develop preventative measures against it. In contrast, while other tissue types and organs may experience some effects from lead, the direct and severe impacts are significantly concentrated in the systems mentioned.