Toxic heavy metal

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Toxic heavy metal

Toxic heavy metals are a group of metals and metalloids that are harmful to humans and the environment when they are not properly managed. These metals include lead (Pb), mercury (Hg), cadmium (Cd), arsenic (As), and chromium (Cr).

Pronunciation

Toxic heavy metal: /ˈtɒksɪk ˈhɛvi ˈmɛtəl/

Etymology

The term "toxic heavy metal" is derived from the Greek word "toxikon," meaning "poison," and the Old English word "hefig," meaning "heavy." The term "metal" comes from the Greek word "metallon," which means "mine" or "metal."

Related terms

  • Bioaccumulation: The accumulation of substances, such as pesticides, or other organic chemicals in an organism.
  • Biomagnification: The process by which the concentration of toxic substances increases in each successive link in the food chain.
  • Chelation therapy: A medical procedure that involves the administration of chelating agents to remove heavy metals from the body.
  • Heavy metal (chemistry): Any metal or metalloid of environmental concern.
  • Toxicity: The degree to which a substance can damage an organism.

Description

Toxic heavy metals are naturally occurring elements that are present in the Earth's crust. When these metals are released into the environment through human activities such as mining, smelting, and industrial processes, they can become a significant health and environmental hazard.

Exposure to toxic heavy metals can occur through various routes, including inhalation, ingestion, and skin contact. Once in the body, these metals can disrupt normal cellular processes and cause a wide range of health effects, including neurological damage, kidney disease, cardiovascular disease, and cancer.

See also

External links

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