Lead

Toxicological Profile
For Public Health

At a glance

NCEH/ATSDR makes peer review information available to demonstrate efforts to utilize transparent and independent peer review, appropriate research methods, and the highest level of data quality. This ATSDR toxicological profile characterizes the toxicologic and adverse health effects of lead.

Details

Title: Toxicological Profile for Lead

Subject of Planned Report: The main target for lead toxicity is the nervous system. The ATSDR toxicological profile succinctly characterizes the toxicologic and adverse health effects for the substance being described.

Purpose of Planned Report: The purpose of the toxicological profile is to provide a source of toxicological and epidemiological data. Data on hazardous substances most commonly found at hazardous waste sites support public health assessment efforts.

Type of Dissemination: ISI

Timing of Review (including deferrals): February 2018

Type of Review (panel, individual or alternative procedure): Individual

Opportunities for the Public Comment (how and when): A draft was made available for public comment June 2019

Peer Reviewers Provided with Public Comments before the Review: No

Number of Reviewers: 3

Primary Disciplines or Expertise: toxicology, environmental health, chemistry

Reviewers Selected by (agency or designated outside organization): CDC/ATSDR

Public Nominations Requested for Reviewers: No

Reviewers

Academic and Professional Credentials

PhD

Current Position Title

Full Professor of Toxicology Area – Faculty of Chemistry

Organizational Affiliation(s)

University of the Republic of Uruguay

Areas of Expertise, Discipline, Relevant Experiences

Expertise / Discipline:

  • Chemistry
  • Environmental toxicology
  • Pharmaceutical chemistry

Experience:

Dr. Mañay is a full Professor (Senior lecturer) of Toxicology, Faculty of Chemistry, at theUniversity of the Republic of Uruguay (UdelaR). His areas of interest include. environmental, analytical, forensic, regulatory.


Additionally, Dr. Mañay has the following experience:


  • Director of the Toxicology Laboratory CEQUIMTOX (Specialized in Chemical Toxicology Centre)
  • Research in Chemistry and Geosciences and National Agency for Research and Innovation (ANII) in Uruguay
  • Leads the analytical toxicology research group, research projects and advisory services in laboratory analysis
  • Research on environmental pollutants impacts on health as toxic metals and metalloids developing analytical methods for exposure biomarkers and population biomonitoring in surveillance projects
  • Toxicological research on environmental and analytical toxicology, toxic metals (methalloids) exposure, biological monitoring and health impacts in vulnerable Uruguayan populations. Research in Medical Geology and metal´s biomarkers

Recommended by Scientific/Professional
Society or General Public

No

Academic and Professional Credentials

  • MD
  • MPH
  • MS
  • ScD

Current Position Title

Visiting ScholarAffiliate Professor (beginning December, 2017)

Organizational Affiliation(s)

Visiting Scholar at the University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, United States of America, Department of Occupational and Environmental Health Sciences, University of Washington School of Public Health, Seattle, WA (Current)


Dr. Hu is on sabbatical/administrative leave from the University of Toronto from July 1, 2017, to June 30, 2018. His primary position is Dean of the Dalla Lana School of Public Health at the University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.

Areas of Expertise, Discipline, Relevant Experiences

Expertise / Discipline:

Board certified in internal medicine and in occupational medicine.

Experience:

Founding Dean of the Dalla Lana School of Public Health at the University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.


His major research interests are:

  • Environmental and molecular epidemiologic research on heavy metals
  • Potential endocrine disruptors, other neurotoxicants, carcinogens
  • Gene-environment interactions, epigenetic dysregulation
  • Fetal/early life exposures and long-term effects
  • Aging-environment interactions
  • Environmental health, health inequities, health disparities, and human rights
  • Health and the global environment
  • “Big Data” for population health
  • Environmental sensitivities/Multiple chemical sensitivities

Recommended by Scientific/Professional
Society or General Public

No

Academic and Professional Credentials

B.Sc.

MSc.

Current Position Title

Senior Scientist/Founder

Organizational Affiliation(s)

Equilibrium Environmental Inc., Calgary, AB, Canada

Areas of Expertise, Discipline, Relevant Experiences

Expertise / Discipline:

Toxicology and biochemistry


Experience:

  • Toxicology
  • Risk assessment
  • Modelling
  • Analytical techniques
  • Risk management and remediation plan development
  • Remediation innovation
Dr. Knafla is a board-certified toxicologist (Diplomate of the American Board of Toxicology). He also has experience with human health and ecological risk assessments (toxicology, fate and transport modeling, kinetic modelling) on sources of environmental impact, including:


  • Hydrocarbons, salts and metalloids at upstream, midstream, and downstream oil and gas facilities
  • Metals at nuclear weapon processing facilities
  • Chlorinated organic compounds at pulp and paper facilities as well as former Alberta Environment Help End Landfill Pollution projects
  • Chemical blends at chemical manufacturing plants
  • Chemical warfare agents including chlorinated organics at Canadian test sites
  • Chlorinated solvents at dry cleaner facilities
  • Organic compounds at wood treatment facilities
  • Organic and inorganic parameters associated with sewage processing infrastructure

Recommended by Scientific/Professional
Society or General Public

No

Resources

Content Source
Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry
About This Page
Published: November 12, 2024
Updated: August 4, 2024

This page was last updated on this date. Updates may include minor edits, image changes, or other modifications to page content.

Reviewed: August 28, 2026

The information on this page was last reviewed by subject matter experts to ensure accuracy.