Toxic metals facts for kids

Many metals, particularly heavy metals are toxic, but some heavy metals are essential, and some, such as bismuth, have a low toxicity. Most often the definition of toxic metals includes at least cadmium, manganese, lead, mercury

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  Cadmium

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  Manganese

and the radioactive metals.These are quite harmful and hazardous.

Harmful effects of metals:

The main threats to human health from heavy metals are associated with exposure to lead, cadmium, mercury and arsenic. These metals have been extensively studied and their effects on human health regularly reviewed by international bodies such as the WHO. Heavy metals have been used by humans for thousands of years.

Heavy Metal Poisoning

Heavy metal poisoning is the accumulation of heavy metals, in toxic amounts, in the soft tissues of the body. ... The heavy metals most commonly associated with poisoning of humans are lead, mercury, arsenic and cadmium.

How do you know if you have heavy metals in your body?

1. diarrhea.
2. nausea.
3. abdominal pain.
4. vomiting.
5. shortness of breath.
6. tingling in your hands and feet.
7. chills.
8. weakness. Note- It is not necessary that all people who have these problems must be having heavy metal poisoning.

Images for kids

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  A 92-year-old Caucasian man (right) with pigmentary changes had used nose drops containing silver for many years. His skin biopsy showed silver deposits in the dermis, confirming the diagnosis of generalized argyria.