Environmental exposure lead nephropathy

Lin J-L, Lin-Tan D-T, Yu C-C, Li Y-J, Huang Y-Y, li K-L. Environmental exposure to lead and progressive diabetic nephropathy in patients with type ii diabetes. Kidney international 2006 69 2049-2056. 

Metals A wide range of metals induce nephrotoxicity in humans and/or in animal models (Table 5). Some of these metals (e.g., iron, cobalt, copper) are essential elements required for normal body function, while others can be useful in treating diseases. For example, gold salts are useful in treating rheumatoid arthritis lithium salts are indicated for the treatment of manic-depressive illness and aluminum and bismuth salts are available to treat indigestion and stomach aches. However, exposure to these and other metals can occur from environmental sources and in excessive concentrations, can lead to nephropathy. 

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