Toxic metals

Toxic Metals

Toxic metals, also known as heavy metals, are a group of metals and metalloids that have the potential to harm human health and the environment. They are naturally occurring elements that have a high atomic weight and a density at least five times greater than that of water.

Overview

The term "heavy metal" refers to any metallic chemical element that has a relatively high density and is toxic or poisonous at low concentrations. Examples of toxic metals include mercury (Hg), cadmium (Cd), arsenic (As), lead (Pb), chromium (Cr), and thallium (Tl).

Toxicity

Toxic metals can be harmful to human health when they are not metabolized by the body and accumulate in the soft tissues. They can interfere with the functioning of vital organs and disrupt biological processes necessary for optimal health.

Mercury

Mercury is a toxic metal that can cause serious psychiatric and physiological problems. It is found in many forms and can cause a variety of health issues depending on the way it is absorbed by the body.

Lead

Lead is a toxic metal that can cause neurological problems, especially in children. It is most commonly found in old paint, dust, and contaminated soil.

Arsenic

Arsenic is a toxic metalloid that can cause skin, lung, and bladder cancer. It is most commonly found in groundwater.

Exposure and Health Risks

Exposure to toxic metals can occur through various routes including inhalation, ingestion, and skin contact. Occupational exposure is a common way that individuals are exposed to these metals.

Health risks associated with toxic metals include neurological effects, kidney damage, cardiovascular problems, and cancer. The severity of these health effects depends on several factors including the type of metal, the duration of exposure, and the individual's overall health.

Prevention and Treatment

Prevention of toxic metal exposure primarily involves controlling environmental sources of the metals, such as reducing industrial emissions and managing waste properly. Treatment of toxic metal poisoning depends on the specific metal and may involve chelation therapy, which uses agents to bind to the metals in the body and facilitate their excretion.

See Also

• Heavy metal (chemistry)
• Toxicity
• Poison
• Environmental health