Volume: 4, 2025
4th International PhD Student’s Conference at the University of Life Sciences in Lublin, Poland:
ENVIRONMENT – PLANT – ANIMAL – PRODUCT
Abstract number: E008
DOI: https://doi.org/10.24326/ICDSUPL4.E008
Published online: 9 April 2025
ICDSUPL, 4, E008 (2025)
Silent toxicity. Heavy metal accumulation in the environment and food and its threats to human health
Dominika Krakowiak1*
1 Department of Biophysics, University of Life Sciences in Lublin, Akademicka 13, 20-950 Lublin, Poland
* Corresponding author: dominika.krakowiak@up.lublin.pl
Abstract
Heavy metals such as lead, cadmium, mercury, and arsenic pose a significant public health risk due to their environmental persistence and bioaccumulative properties. Their presence in soil, water, and air leads to their penetration into the food chain, resulting in chronic human exposure. Despite numerous environmental regulations, these metals remain a hazard, particularly in the context of global industrial and agricultural changes. This study aims to present the latest scientific data on the mechanisms of heavy metal accumulation in the environment and food and their impact on human health. This study is based on a review of the latest scientific literature, including epidemiological, toxicological, and environmental analyses related to heavy metals. Data on their occurrence in food products, absorption mechanisms in the human body, and long-term health effects were analyzed. Particular attention was paid to research on selected elements’ neurotoxicity, nephrotoxicity, and carcinogenicity. The literature analysis confirms that chronic exposure to heavy metals leads to severe health consequences, including damage to the nervous system, kidneys, liver, and cardiovascular system. Significant correlations have been found between heavy metal levels in the body and increased risks of neurodegenerative diseases, cancers, and metabolic disorders. The data also indicate insufficient monitoring of food contamination, which may lead to underestimation of the risk to the population. Heavy metals represent a serious yet often underestimated threat to human health. There is an urgent need to implement more effective methods for monitoring and regulating metal content in food and the environment. Consumer education and the promotion of strategies to reduce exposure – such as choosing safe food sources and preparation methods – are also crucial. Further research should focus on assessing the long-term effects of these elements’ accumulation in the human body and potential detoxification strategies.
Keywords: heavy metals, environmental toxicity, bioaccumulation, neurotoxicity
How to cite
D. Krakowiak, 2025. Silent toxicity. Heavy metal accumulation in the environment and food and its threats to human health. In: 4th International PhD Student’s Conference at the University of Life Sciences in Lublin, Poland: Environment – Plant – Animal – Product. https://doi.org/10.24326/ICDSUPL4.E008