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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.
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 ...
The use of unleaded paints and gas has successfully decreased the number of cases of lead heavy metal poisoning. Nickel, chromium, and cadmium: via metal-DNA interactions, these metals can be carcinogenic. [3] Nickel: allergies to nickel, particularly from skin to metal contact via jewelry, are common.
Exposure to heavy metals may increase risk of calcium buildup in the walls of coronary arteries, which can lead to chronically narrowed arteries, a new study found.
An average 70 kg human body is about 0.01% heavy metals (~7 g, equivalent to the weight of two dried peas, with iron at 4 g, zinc at 2.5 g, and lead at 0.12 g comprising the three main constituents), 2% light metals (~1.4 kg, the weight of a bottle of wine) and nearly 98% nonmetals (mostly water).
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.
Cadmium is a naturally occurring toxic metal with common exposure in industrial workplaces, plant soils, and from smoking. Due to its low permissible exposure in humans, overexposure may occur even in situations where only trace quantities of cadmium are found.
Cobalt poisoning is intoxication caused by excessive levels of cobalt in the body. Cobalt is an essential element for health in animals in minute amounts as a component of vitamin B 12. A deficiency of cobalt, which is very rare, is also potentially lethal, leading to pernicious anemia. [1]