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Priority Heavy Metals’ Toxicities on Internal Organs: a Review

Document Type : Review Article

Authors

1 Department of Medical Biochemistry, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, Enugu State University of Science and Technology, Enugu, Nigeria

2 Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Enugu State University of Science and Technology, Enugu, Nigeria

Abstract

Background: Heavy metals toxicities have been implicated in many biochemical, physiological, and hematological changes, some leading to the development of many organ pathologies. Miners, and even non-miners living in mining areas, are constantly exposed to these toxicities and therefore, possible sufferers of organ failures. Some mechanisms involved in the development of these changes are already elucidated, while some are not.  
Methods: This review brings together many findings on the effects of these heavy metals on both occupationally and environmentally exposed individuals, and attempts to suggest some modes of action of these metals in bringing about the adverse effects. Published articles on the effects of heavy metals and priority heavy metals were randomly sourced from the internet using search terms like “toxicity of priority heavy metals”, “effects of heavy metals on miners”, biochemical changes in liver, kidney, heart of heavy metal miners”, “hematological changes in occupationally and non-occupationally exposed lead miners”, “priority heavy metals in ethno-medicinal plants. Also, unpublished work and personal experiences were used but not referenced.
Results: The results showed wide adverse effects of heavy metals on internal organs, especially the kidney, liver, and heart, of both occupationally and environmentally exposed subjects.
Conclusion: Artisanal system of mining in developing and underdeveloped countries can be a major culprit in the development of these organ pathologies. Therefore, government regulation and legislation will be a saving grace to the miners and other occupants of mining areas.

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Asia Pacific Journal of Medical Toxicology
Volume 14, Issue 4
December 2025
Pages 155-163
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