GE11 Midterms - Heavy Metals

is a metalloid ekement that forms a number of poisonous compounds. it is widely distributed throughout the Earth's crust, and can ve released into the atmosphere and water through natural and human activities

Arsenic

cause lung cancer, mesotholioma, cancer of the larynx and ovary and asbestosis (fibrosis of the lungs)

Asbestos

WHO Guideline Value of Arsenic in Water

0.01 mg/L or 10ppb

Average exposure of 20 microgram/day from food and water (Arsenic)

0.02 mg/day

Long term distribution and high concentration in bone and

keratinized tissues

• Hair and fingernails (Mees' lines)

Arsenic Acute Toxicity

This is the most commonly used form of

asbestos and can be found today in roofs, ceilings, walls

and floors of homes and businesses. It was used in

automobile brake linings, pipe insulation, gaskets and

boiler seals.

Chrysotile

It is the only type of asbestos that is from

the serpentine family and is known as white asbestos.

These fibers are curly and are comprised of sheets of

crystals.

Chrysotile

is known as brown asbestos, and it originates

mostly in Africa. It was used most frequently in cement

sheet and pipe insulation. Like the other forms

of amphibole asbestos, it has needle-like fibers.

It offer good heat resistance.

Amosite

linked to the development of serious respiratory

diseases and cancers, including mesothelioma, lung

cancer, asbestosis, and other conditions.

Asbestos Exposure

Types of Diseases after Asbestos exposure

1) Mesothelioma

2) Lung cancer

typically develops after people are

exposed to asbestos in the workplace; while it usually

takes long-term exposure to put someone at risk.

Mesothelioma

typically diagnosed at a late stage

of development because of the long latency period

of development and the onset of symptoms.

Lung cancer

are caused by the inhalation or ingestion of asbestos. When these toxic fibers enter the

body, they can cause genetic changes in healthy mesothelial cells. Over time, healthy mesothelial cells

develop DNA damage that leads to cancer

Asbestos cancers

a chronic lung disease characterized by a scarring of lung tissues, which leads to long-term

breathing complications. The disease does not have a cure.

Asbestosis

highly volatile and exposure occurs mostly through inhalation

Benzene

exerts toxic effects on the kidneys as well as the skeletal and respiratory systems. it is clasified as a human carcinogen.

Cadmium

is biopersistent and, once absorbed by

an organism, remains resident for many years

(over decades for humans) although it is

eventually excreted.

Cadmium

The most significant use of cadmium is in

nickel/cadmium batteries

long-term exposure is associated with

renal dysfunction. High exposure can lead to

obstructive lung disease and has been linked to

lung cancer.

Cadmium

are persistent organic pollutants (POPs) covered by the Stockholm Convention. They can travel kong distance from the source of emission, and bioaccumulate in food chains

Dioxins and dioxin-like substances, including PCBs

Sources of Lead Exposure

1) Lead paint

2) House dust

3) Cosmetics

CSC stands for

Canpaign for Sale Cosmetics

Mercury vapor from fillings

can be converted to more toxic elemental mercury and

methylmercury in the body and both can accumulate in

the brain.

Dental Amalgam Fillings

is a potent neurotoxin. It may contribute to poor memory and concentration and

mood disorders such as depression and anxiety by interfering with communication between

brain cells.

Aluminum

Aluminum is known to be __________ - it damages genetic material

genotoxic

Selected Heavy Metals

1) Arsenic

2) Asbestos

3) Benzene

4) Cadmium

5) Dioxins and dioxin-like substances

6) Lead

7) Mercury

8) Aluminum