Silent threat: the presence of heavy metals from anthropogenic and natural sources. Implications for public health: A narrative review.

Abstract

Introduction: Soil contamination by heavy metals is a growing concern worldwide. These toxic elements, derived from various anthropogenic and natural sources, accumulate in crops and enter the food chain.

Review objective: This article is a narrative review that aims to show the wide availability of heavy metals as potential risks to human health. We searched for articles from systematic reviews and clinical studies that used PUBMED to compile possible sources of poisoning.

Essential points of the review:

The most important sources of heavy metal poisoning are related mainly to soil contamination and its subsequent transfer to food.

 Seleniferous areas: These areas contain high natural concentrations of heavy metals, which pollute the soils and, therefore, the crops that grow in them.

 Industrial pollution: Industrial activity is an essential source of soil contamination by heavy metals since these metals can be released into the environment through various industrial processes.

Biomass: Different animal samples indicate the biomass is contaminated with heavy metals.

Conclusion: Heavy metals are present in different forms and within populations. Soil contamination is highlighted as the primary source of heavy metal poisoning through food intake, especially rice, wheat, and meat.

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