A review of the consequences of dangerous blood lead concentrations and strategies for its prevention

Abstract

According to the available data, lead affects the cholinergic and dopaminergic pathways, thereby preventing the normal functioning of neurotransmission. Based on the analysis of existing literature, the results help us to study and define a wide range of symptoms of lead poisoning. Children absorb lead well orally (-50%), adults relatively poorly (-10%). The content of lead is often quite high in toys, in food products, in regions close to lead-based factories, in the exhaust emitted by technically defective vehicles, which enters the body through air. Lead absorption is enhanced if the daily diet is poor in iron or calcium. Lead still exists in significant concentrations in the environment, especially in modern, densely populated city centers. A 2019 study of blood lead levels among children in Georgia found that 41% of children in Georgia had blood lead levels of 5 μg/dL or higher. In order to eliminate the problems, the government of Georgia started introducing new rules, tightening the construction standards for kindergartens, inspecting imported toys, technical inspection of cars. It is important to fully implement and monitor the introduced rules and standards.