A STUDY OF HEAVY METAL EXPOSURE AND ITS IMPACT ON HUMAN HEALTH: AN ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY PERSPECTIVE

Abstract

The increasing industrialisation, urbanisation and agricultural practices have resulted in heavy metal contamination which has become a significant environmental and public health problem. The subject of this study is the environmental toxicology effects of heavy metal exposure especially Lead (Pb), Mercury (Hg), Cadmium (Cd), and Arsenic (As) on human health. The problem that is being investigated through this research is the rising concentration of toxic metals in water, soil, food and air thereby causing chronic diseases and physiological disorders for exposed people. The Environment Toxicity Theory and the Bioaccumulation Theory are used as a theoretical lens for the study to describe the accumulation of toxins within the biological system and the impact on human health. The research method was a mixed method, which included quantitative analysis of environmental samples and qualitative assessment using health surveys among 250 people living near industrial areas. Blood sample reports, Water Quality Assessment and Hospital health records were obtained from selected urban and semi-urban areas. The findings found that 68% of the participants had elevated levels of at least one of the heavy metals, and 52% experienced respiratory, neurological, or kidney disease that was associated with heavy metal toxic exposure. The statistical analysis showed a high positive correlation between long exposure and health risks. Results from the study will yield measurable outcomes such as identification of contamination hotspots, risk assessment indices, and policy recommendations for environmental monitoring and public health intervention. The study highlights the importance of sustainable environmental policies and awareness campaigns to reduce exposure to toxic materials and safeguard health.