What is a major consequence of exposure to heavy metals?

Exposure to heavy metals is known to have a significant impact on the kidneys, leading to nephrotoxicity. This term refers to the toxic effects these metals can have on kidney function, which may result in kidney damage or dysfunction. Heavy metals, such as lead, mercury, and cadmium, can accumulate in renal tissues and interfere with the filtration processes of the kidneys. This impairment can disrupt the balance of electrolytes and the elimination of waste products from the body, potentially leading to serious health issues.

Many heavy metals have been specifically studied for their nephrotoxic effects. For example, cadmium exposure has been linked to tubular damage and impaired glomerular filtration, while lead has been associated with hypertension and kidney dysfunction.

In a broader context, while heavy metals can indeed lead to other toxic effects, such as immunotoxicity or cardiotoxicity, nephrotoxicity is particularly notable because the kidneys play a critical role in detoxifying the body and maintaining homeostasis. The damage caused by heavy metals can therefore have far-reaching consequences on overall health.