Heav y me tals 337
Heavy Metals
Heavy metals such as lead, mercury, cadmium, and chromium, are harmful to
people, animals and plants, even in very small amounts. Heavy metals are
released into the environment by many industries, such as oil drilling and
refining, mining, metal smelting, tanneries, and incineration.
Heavy metals are harmful when people breathe in or swallow dust or
fumes, or get them on the skin or in their eyes and absorb them into the blood.
Heavy metals may also collect in plants and animals and cause harm when
people eat them.
Signs of heavy metal poisoning
Heavy metal poisoning usually does not happen from one large exposure,
but from exposure to small amounts over time. Early signs include shaking,
irritability, difficulty concentrating, tiredness, and weakness in the hands and
feet. Other signs include:
Headaches, dizziness, sleeping problems,
memory loss (especially in mercury
poisoning), difficulty thinking
Skin rash, irritations of eyes and nose
Bleeding gums, blisters in the mouth,
toothaches, jaw pain, metal taste in the mouth
Rapid heartbeat, anxiety, and a very weak or
very strong pulse
Stomach pain, bloating, diarrhea or constipation,
a need to urinate often
Muscle spasms, pain and stiffness in joints and
muscles, cold hands and feet
Heavy metal poisoning can also cause damage to the kidneys and the
reproductive system, and other serious long term health problems.
important: If you suspect heavy metal poisoning, see a health worker for
testing right away. If you are exposed to heavy metals day after day, medicine
will not stop the poisoning. The only way to stop the poisoning is to stop being
exposed. If you do have heavy metal poisoning, it is likely that others in your
community will also.
The next few pages discuss problems of mercury. Other heavy metals have
similar problems. See problems from lead on pages 368 to 370.
A Community Guide to Environmental Health 2012