Download lead mercury cadmium barium chromium heavy metals

HEAVY METALS: OMNIPRESENT AND DEADLY
LEAD
MERCURY
CADMIUM
BARIUM
CHROMIUM
Present in
Present in
Present in
Present in
Present in
CRT screens, batteries and
printed wiring boards inside
computers. Lead is commonly
used in the electrical and
electronics industry in solder,
lead-acid batteries, electronic
components, cable sheathing,
in the glass of CRT screens.
Fluorescent lamps, LCD
display screens with
fluorescent lighting,
mercury-wetted switches and
some alkaline batteries.
Rechargeable batteries,
fluorescent layer (CRT
screens), photocopyingmachines (printer drums),
printer inks and toners.
Data tapes and floppy disks.
Chromium and its oxides are
used widely because of their
high conductivity and
anti-corrosive properties.
Ill-effects
Mercury is most harmful to
foetus health. The brain
suffers maximum damage,
leading to delayed
milestones, learning
disabilities or even gross
mental retardation. It is one
of the most toxic yet widely
used metals in the production
of electrical and electronic
applications. It is a toxic
heavy metal that accumulates in the human body over
time, causing brain and liver
damage if ingested or inhaled.
Ill-effects
Cadmium poisoning affects
the kidneys, causing kidney
failure in the long run.
Cadmium is absorbed
through respiration but can
also be ingested through
food. Exposure to cadmium
fumes causes flu-like
symptoms of weakness,
fever, headache, chills,
sweating and muscular pain.
The primary health risks of
long-term exposure are lung
cancer and kidney damage.
Cadmium is also believed to
cause pulmonary
emphysema and bone
disease such as osteoporosis.
Barium-nickel alloys for
spark-plug electrodes and in
vacuum tubes as drying and
oxygen-removing agents. It is
also used in fluorescent
lamps. Barium compounds
are also used to make paint,
bricks, tiles, glass and rubber.
Barium nitrate and chlorate
give fireworks a green colour.
Ill-effects
Lead poisoning affects the
brain and nerves with
symptoms such as headache,
light-headedness, deafness,
memory disturbances and
psychiatric symptoms. In the
advanced stage the patient
can be bedridden. Even
short-term exposure to high
levels of lead can cause
vomiting, diarrhoea,
convulsions, coma or death.
Ill-effects
Barium toxicity produces
acute brain swelling, causing
headache, confusion and
drowsiness. It forms
poisonous oxides when in
contact with air. Short-term
exposure to barium can also
cause damage to the heart,
liver and spleen.
Ill-effects
Chromium is absorbed easily
in the human body and can
produce different toxic
effects in cells. Most
chromium compounds are
irritating to the eyes, skin
and mucous membranes.
Chronic exposure to its
compounds can cause
permanent eye injury, unless
properly treated. It can also
also cause DNA damage.