Occupational Exposure of Workers to Heavy Metals in the Brazilian Industry

Objective: To conduct a systematic review in the Scopus database to analyze the impacts of exposure to heavy metals on workers' health in different sectors of the Brazilian industry. Method: The study used a qualitative approach and exploratory bias, following the PRISMA protocol. Eleven articles published between 2015 and 2024 were selected, focusing on occupational risks related to heavy metals. Results and Discussion: Occupational exposure to lead, cadmium, copper, nickel, chromium, and arsenic causes effects such as enzymatic alterations, oxidative stress, and genetic damage. Factors such as genetic predisposition and dietary habits also influence toxicity. Research Implications: The results reinforce the need for continuous environmental monitoring, worker biomonitoring, health education, and integrated actions to reduce the impacts of heavy metals. Originality/Value: The study compiles recent evidence on exposure to heavy metals in Brazil, highlighting different industrial contexts and mitigation strategies related to workers' health.