Lead: its effects on environment and health

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Volume 17 of the series Metal Ions in Life Sciences focuses on the interrelations between biosystems and lead. It offers a comprehensive review of the bioinorganic chemistry of lead and its ions, addressing the biogeochemistry of lead, its uses (including as a gasoline additive), and its anthropogenic release into the environment. The book examines lead's cycling and speciation in various environments, including the atmosphere, waters, soils, sediments, and mammalian organs. Analytical methods for quantifying this toxic element in biological samples such as blood, saliva, urine, and hair are also discussed. Additionally, it summarizes the properties of lead(II) complexes with amino acids, peptides, proteins (including metallothioneins), nucleobases, nucleotides, and nucleic acids, both in solid-state and aqueous solutions. This information is crucial for understanding lead's effects on plants and its toxic actions on mammalian organs. The volume comprises 16 chapters authored by 36 experts from 13 countries, supported by nearly 2000 references, over 50 tables, and more than 100 illustrations (half in color). It serves as an essential resource for scientists across various fields, including material sciences, inorganic biochemistry, and medicine, while also providing valuable information for educational purposes.