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Many metals, particularly heavy metals are toxic, but some are essential, and some, such as bismuth, have a low toxicity. Metals in an oxidation state abnormal to the body may also become toxic: chromium(III) is an essential trace element, but chromium(VI) is a carcinogen. Only soluble metal-containing compounds are toxic.
Heavy metals is a controversial and ambiguous term [2] for metallic elements with relatively high densities, atomic weights, or atomic numbers.The criteria used, and whether metalloids are included, vary depending on the author and context and has been argued should not be used.
A toxic heavy metal is a common but misleading term for a metal-like element noted for its potential toxicity. [4] Not all heavy metals are toxic and some toxic metals are not heavy. [ 5 ] Elements often discussed as toxic include cadmium , mercury and lead , [ 6 ] all of which appear in the World Health Organization 's list of 10 chemicals of ...
Iron: iron toxicity, iron poisoning, or iron overload is well known. Iron does test only very weakly positive for the Ames test for cancer, however, since it is such a strong catalyst and essential for the production of ATP and consequently DNA production, any excess soluble iron is toxic especially over time. Too much iron deposited in tissues ...
Iron helps to strengthen the body's resistance to infections and diseases by facilitating the growth and health of immune cells. So, it is vital for the proper functioning of the immune system.
The human body has protective mechanisms in place to prevent excess free ferric iron from circulating the body. When being transported throughout the body, iron is bound to an iron transporting protein called transferrin to prevent iron from being absorbed into different cells. [6] Any excess iron is stored as ferritin in the liver. [6]
While heavy metals can be naturally excreted by the body through sweat and urine, if they are consumed in high amounts they can accumulate in the body and damage major organs.
Roughly 5 grams of iron are present in the human body and is the most abundant trace metal. [1] It is absorbed in the intestine as heme or non-heme iron depending on the food source. Heme iron is derived from the digestion of hemoproteins in meat. [4] Non-heme iron is mainly derived from plants and exist as iron(II) or iron(III) ions. [4]