Vol. 7, Issue 2, Part F (2025)

Introduction: One of the most common harmful substances found in the environment is lead. Through the air, it penetrates the human body. water, and airborne contaminants and accumulates in vital tissues, especially the brain. Scientific research has demonstrated the serious cognitive and neurological disorders resulting from exposure to high levels of lead.

Objective: With an emphasis on the environmental and industrial factors contributing to the elevated lead pollution rate, this seeks to examine the connection between elevated environmental lead levels and the human body as well as the impact of these levels on brain cells from a functional and morphological standpoint.

Methodology: The study relied on a systematic review and qualitative analysis of studies published between (2005-2024) in Scopus databases. Research was selected that addressed blood lead levels and the resulting neurological and cognitive effects in humans, in addition to laboratory studies supporting the clarification of cellular mechanisms. Results: Human studies have shown that every increase (5-10 µg/L) in blood lead levels is associated with a decrease of between (1.5-7 points) in IQ and a decrease in working memory and conceptual thinking. It was also found that the main sources of pollution include industrial emissions, old paint on water pipes containing lead, and contamination of agricultural soil, which causes oxidative stress, mitochondrial damage, and a decline in the growth and entanglement of nerve cells.

Conclusion: Research has confirmed that lead poses a significant environmental and health risk even at low concentrations, and that children and communities close to pollution sources are most vulnerable to neurological effects. It is recommended that integrated strategies be developed that include reducing emission sources, replacing old water networks, monitoring food products, and enhancing nutritional interventions to reduce lead absorption