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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.