Exposure to heavy metals can have various adverse health effects for humans if the exposure exceeds
certain thresholds for a long enough period of time. Specific ill effects vary by the type of metal. Lead exposure, for example, can cause brain and nervous system damage, anemia, increases in blood pressure, kidney damage, damage to reproductive
organs in both men and women,and even death – if the exposure is severe or prolonged enough. The
effects of lead are more severe in children than adults