Divalent lead exposure in school and college laboratories: Challenges, impact on human health and the way forward

Divalent lead compounds, such as lead (II) nitrate, lead (II) iodide, lead (II) sulphate and lead (II) acetate, are commonly utilised in educational laboratories for various chemical experiments. However, their presence poses significant health risks to students, educators and laboratory personnel, since lead exposure adversely affects multiple bodily systems, particularly the nervous, reproductive, renal and endocrine systems. Lead-induced oxidative stress results in cellular damage, which contributes to various pathophysiological conditions. This article examines the challenges associated with using these lead compounds and their impact on human health and proposes mitigation strategies at both institutional and individual levels. By adopting these strategies, educational institutions can create safer learning environments and contribute to the broader goal of public health preservation.