Toxicant effects on target organ systems: article review and real-life applications

Lead and the Central Nervous System

Lead is a highly toxic substance that particularly affects the central nervous system of all people of all ages. Because of its great toxicity, much research attention has been given to these effects and how they can be mitigated. Of particular importance are the effects of lead exposure in young children. Because their central nervous system is in a rapidly developing stage, children are at particular risk when it comes to the potentially harmful effects of lead. This is then also why numerous studies have been conducted to determine the causes of lead poisoning, the effects of different levels of lead exposure, mitigation methods for these, and measures to prevent lead poisoning.

The stated purpose of Lidsky and Scheider's (2003) article, "Lead neurotoxicity in children: basic mechanisms and clinical correlates" is to suggest policy modifications that would encourage prevention methods regarding lead poisoning. The authors spend the majority of the rather lengthy article, however, by examining the specific effects of lead on the human body, and particularly on children.

The extremely toxic nature of lead rests on the fact that it is highly absorbent, since it can substitute for both calcium and zinc, two substances that are highly prevalent and necessary in the human body. The ability of lead to replace these accounts for its insidious and toxic nature. The article mentions that both the adult and childhood central nervous systems are highly susceptible to the toxic effects of lead. At best, lead poisoning can lead to mental issues like irritability, behavioral issues, and mental retardation. At worst, high levels of lead can lead to death, especially in children.

The authors conclude that policy measures should include preventing blood from entering the bloodstream, especially when it comes to children. Hence, it is suggested that thorough environmental investigations be done to determine the level of harmful substances. Factors that increase vulnerability, such as social economic status, and genetic propensity should be part of these prevention methods.

Although lengthy, the article provides a thorough analysis of the effects of lead on the central nervous system of children. The authors include a large amount of literature as the basis for their study, which contributes greatly to both the reliability and validity of their data. Because of the complexity of the issue, I do not feel that the article's length is to its detriment.

I would, however, state a purpose that is connected to the substance of the article rather than just to its conclusions and recommendations. Nevertheless, the article is highly academic and of good quality. What struck me most about it is the preventability of lead poisoning, especially in children.

This is a factor reiterated by both the World Health Organization (WHO, 2010) and Flora, Gupta, and Tiwari (2012). Indeed, in the years after the publication of Lidsky and Schneider's article, much has been discovered not only about the nature of lead exposure and poisoning, but also about its mitigation and prevention.