Metal toxicity
Metal Toxicity
Metal toxicity or metal poisoning refers to the build-up of heavy metals in the body due to ingestion, inhalation, or skin absorption. This can lead to serious health issues, including organ damage, behavioral changes, and difficulties in thinking and memory.
Pronunciation
Metal Toxicity: /ˈmɛtəl tɒkˈsɪsɪti/
Etymology
The term "metal" comes from the Greek word "metallon," which means mine or quarry. "Toxicity" is derived from the Greek word "toxikon," which means poison.
Types of Metal Toxicity
There are several types of metal toxicity, including:
- Lead poisoning: This occurs when lead builds up in the body over a period of months or years. It can cause serious health problems, especially in children.
- Mercury poisoning: This can occur from exposure to mercury in the environment, in certain jobs, or from eating foods contaminated with mercury.
- Arsenic poisoning: This can occur from drinking water or eating food contaminated with high levels of arsenic.
- Cadmium poisoning: This can occur from exposure to cadmium in the environment, in certain jobs, or from smoking tobacco.
Symptoms
Symptoms of metal toxicity can vary depending on the type of metal, the amount of exposure, and the age of the person exposed. Common symptoms can include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, heart problems, anemia, and neurological problems.
Treatment
Treatment for metal toxicity typically involves removing the source of exposure and providing supportive care. In some cases, a process called chelation therapy may be used to remove the metals from the body.
Prevention
Prevention of metal toxicity involves reducing exposure to heavy metals. This can be achieved by using safer products, eating a healthy diet, and taking precautions in jobs where exposure to heavy metals is a risk.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Metal toxicity
- Wikipedia's article - Metal toxicity
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