Heavy metals are chemical elements that, in their pure form, are solid and can be toxic to the body when consumed, and can cause damage to various organs of the body, such as the lungs, kidneys, stomach and even brain.
While some heavy metals, such as copper, are important to the body in certain amounts, others, such as mercury or arsenic, can be very toxic and should be avoided. These metals are often present in contaminated water and, as a result, can eventually contaminate air as well as food, causing health problems over time.
- As a general rule.
- Heavy metals do not cause symptoms when they come into contact with the body for the first time.
- However.
- They have the ability to accumulate in the cells of the body.
- Causing problems such as kidney disorders.
- Brain damage and it is suspected that they can increase the risk of cancer.
See how you can avoid contact with heavy metals
The 6 most dangerous heavy metals are mercury, arsenic, lead, barium, cadmium and chromium, depending on the type of metal that accumulates in the body, the symptoms can vary:
Contamination of the body by mercury usually causes signs such as:
In the long term, poisoning with this type of metal can also cause kidney and brain problems, as well as changes in vision, hearing and memory.
The most common sources of mercury contamination include contaminated water, direct contact with mercury, contact with the interior of lamps and batteries, and some dental treatments. For example, the correct way to avoid mercury contamination is to avoid food and water that appear to be contaminated, as well as to change all objects that contain mercury, especially thermometers and old lamps.
Gain a better understanding of what happens in your body when it’s contaminated with mercury.
Arsenic is a type of heavy metal that can cause
These symptoms may appear for up to 30 minutes. However, when the amounts are very low, this metal builds up slowly in the body and, in these cases, there is also a very high risk of skin, lung, liver or bladder cancer.
Arsenic can be found in paints, dyes, medications, soaps, as well as fertilizers and pesticides.In addition, arsenic can also be found in private well water that the Water and Sewer Society (CDAE) does not regularly analyze and disinfect.
To avoid arsenic contamination, it is advisable not to use materials containing this type of metal in its composition and to avoid ingesting foods with dyes or untreated water.
Lead poisoning is often difficult to identify, and even seemingly healthy people can have high levels of lead in the body; However, as lead builds up in the body, lead seems to cause:
In more severe cases, kidney, brain and even abortion problems may develop in pregnant women or infertility in men.
Lead can be found throughout the environment, including air, water and soil, as it is a metal widely used by the industry to manufacture objects such as batteries, water pipes, paint or gasoline, for example.To avoid lead contamination, it is important to avoid having objects with this type of metal at home, especially in plumbing or murals.
Barium is a type of heavy metal that does not cause cancer, however it can cause symptoms such as:
Sources of barium contamination include certain types of fluorescent lamps, fireworks, paints, bricks, ceramics, glass, rubber and even some diagnostic tests.To avoid contamination with this metal, one of the most important tips is to avoid going to work without a protective mask to avoid inhaling or ingesting barium-contaminated dust.
Ingestion of cadmium may cause
Over time, ingestion or inhalation of this metal can also cause kidney disease, lung problems and weakening of the bones.
Cadmium is found in all types of soils or stones, as well as in coal, mineral fertilizers, batteries and plastics of some toys, to avoid cadmium contamination, it is recommended that materials containing this type of metal be not used in its composition and that smoking should be avoided, since the cigarette contains charcoal that facilitates contact between the cadmium and the lungs.
The main form of chromium poisoning is due to inhalation.When this happens, symptoms such as:
In the long run, permanent damage to the liver, kidneys, circulatory system, and skin may occur.
Chromium is used to make stainless steel, cement, paper and rubber objects and, as a result, can be easily inhaled on construction sites or by burning paper or rubber, for example.To avoid chromium contamination, construction sites should only be used with masks and avoid burning paper or rubber.