36,800
edits
Heavy Metal: Difference between revisions
→Toxic Heavy Metals
| Line 16: | Line 16: | ||
==Toxic Heavy Metals== | ==Toxic Heavy Metals== | ||
Toxic [[Heavy | Toxic [[Heavy Metal]]s are any relatively dense metal or metalloid that is noted for its potential toxicity, especially in environmental contexts.The term has particular application to cadmium, mercury, lead and arsenic, all of which appear in the World Health Organisation's list of 10 chemicals of major public concern. Other examples include manganese, chromium, cobalt, nickel, copper, zinc, selenium, silver, antimony and thallium. | ||
Heavy metals are found naturally in the earth. They become concentrated as a result of human caused activities and can enter plant, animal, and human tissues via inhalation, diet, and manual handling. Then, they can bind to and interfere with the functioning of vital cellular components. The toxic effects of arsenic, mercury, and lead were known to the ancients, but methodical studies of the toxicity of some heavy metals appear to date from only 1868. In humans, heavy metal poisoning is generally treated by the administration of chelating agents. Some elements otherwise regarded as toxic heavy metals are essential, in small quantities, for human health.<ref>[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Toxic_heavy_metal Toxic heavy Metal]</ref> | Heavy metals are found naturally in the earth. They become concentrated as a result of human caused activities and can enter plant, animal, and human tissues via inhalation, diet, and manual handling. Then, they can bind to and interfere with the functioning of vital cellular components. The toxic effects of arsenic, mercury, and lead were known to the ancients, but methodical studies of the toxicity of some heavy metals appear to date from only 1868. In humans, heavy metal poisoning is generally treated by the administration of chelating agents. Some elements otherwise regarded as toxic heavy metals are essential, in small quantities, for human health.<ref>[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Toxic_heavy_metal Toxic heavy Metal]</ref> | ||