J

Environmental Health Lecture Notes: Toxic Metals & Elements II

Lecture Overview

  • Topic: Toxic Metals & Elements II

  • Presented by Prof. Alasdair Cohen at Virginia Tech.

Current Issues

  • Recent reports on heavy metals in baby food.

  • Lawsuits filed against companies due to contamination.

Learning Objectives

  • Understand heavy metals and exposure pathways.

  • Identify short- and long-term symptoms of exposure.

  • Examine health risks for children related to heavy metal exposure.

  • Focus on lead exposure and its health impacts.

Toxic Metals Classification

  • Toxic Effects: Heavy metals are hazardous; impacts include various health effects depending on exposure levels.

  • Categories:

    • Part I: Lead, Beryllium, Chromium

    • Part II: Arsenic, Cadmium, Fluorine, Mercury, Nickel

Arsenic

  • Characteristics: Inorganic arsenic is a potent carcinogen; significant contaminant in drinking water.

  • Exposure Pathways: Contaminated water, industrial usage, ingestion through food sources.

  • Health Effects: Cancer, cardiovascular diseases, adverse pregnancy outcomes.

Cadmium

  • Properties: Highly toxic, impacts multiple body systems such as lungs and kidneys.

  • Exposure: Mainly through workplaces, contaminated food, and cigarette smoke.

  • Health Effects: Includes osteoporosis, kidney damage, and cardiovascular diseases.

Fluorine

  • Effects of Overexposure: Causes dental and skeletal issues, with potential moderate and severe outcomes.

  • Regulations: EPA guidelines allow 4.0 mg/L in drinking water; recommended level for dental health is 0.7 - 1.2 mg/L.

Mercury

  • Overview: Highly toxic, bioaccumulates in aquatic organisms via methylation.

  • Conditions: Minamata disease caused by high mercury exposure manifests as neurological impairments.

Nickel

  • Properties: Exposure is universal; found in common tools and batteries.

  • Health Effects: Allergic reactions, cardiovascular diseases, potential carcinogenic effects.

Conclusion

  • Ongoing Concerns: Addressing heavy metal exposure is crucial for public health, especially for vulnerable populations such as children.