The Impact of Thallium Exposure in Public Health and Molecular Toxicology: A Comprehensive Review

Abstract

This review offers a synthesis of the current understanding of the impact of low-dose thallium (Tl) on public health, specifically emphasizing its diverse effects on various populations and organs. The article integrates insights into the cytotoxic effects, genotoxic potential, and molecular mechanisms of thallium in mammalian cells. Thallium, a non-essential heavy metal present in up to 89 different minerals, has garnered attention due to its adverse effects on human health. As technology and metallurgical industries advance, various forms of thallium, including dust, vapor, and wastewater, can contaminate the environment, extending to the surrounding air, water sources, and soil. Moreover, the metal has been identified in beverages, tobacco, and vegetables, highlighting its pervasive presence in a wide array of food sources. Epidemiological findings underscore associations between thallium exposure and critical health aspects such as kidney function, pregnancy outcomes, smoking-related implications, and potential links to autism spectrum disorder. Thallium primarily exerts cellular toxicity on various tissues through mitochondria-mediated oxidative stress and endoplasmic reticulum stress. This synthesis aims to shed light on the intricate web of thallium exposure and its potential implications for public health, emphasizing the need for vigilant consideration of its risks.

Keywords: emerging contaminants; food intake; public health; thallium; toxicity.

Figure 1

Thallium exhibits diverse contamination pathways and toxicity. Thallium pollution in the environment occurs through dust, steam, and wastewater. It enters organisms through sources such as drinking water, tobacco, and vegetables. Ingesting thallium in daily life can lead to damage in various organs and tissues. The red arrow pointing upwards indicates an increase; the blue arrow pointing downwards indicates a decrease; double arrows represent correlation; dashed arrows represent possible mechanisms.