Department of Biotechnology, Chandigarh University, Gharuan, Mohali, Punjab, India- 140413

Heavy metal toxicity has emerged as a serious threat for environment and has created several health risks for humans. The booming industrialization have led us to be very prone to contamination as the industries directly or indirectly acts as a major source of heavy metal pollution. Apart from anthropogenic activities, natural phenomenon like volcanic eruption, metal corrosion and evaporation also contribute to the production of heavy metal toxicants in the environment. Exposure of heavy metals to human beings takes place through various means like intake of food and water, inhalation from air or by dermal contact. Their bioaccumulation in the human body leads to the production of reactive oxygen species, interferes with metabolic processes, damages DNA and causes apoptosis. Sometimes heavy metals even act as a pseudo element of the body. All of these result in the deterioration of health conditions and even increases the risk of cancer. In a nutshell, this review highlights the source of contamination, disquieting factor of disease and the mechanism of action of heavy metals like Cadmium, Chromium, Lead, Arsenic and Nickel in human body.

Keywords: Heavy metals; Environmental Pollution; Health hazards; ROS; Carcinogenicity