Elementary Overview of Heavy Metals.
Clin Chem
; 69(4): 336-349, 2023 04 03.
Article
em En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-36945128
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND:
Exposure to heavy metals is common as a result of environmental contamination of air, water, and soil as well as accumulation in food, tobacco, herbal medicines, and occupational contact. However, clinically relevant toxicity is much less prevalent. Toxic effects, when they occur, may present with non-specific symptoms, resulting in a very large differential for clinicians to consider. CONTENT Arsenic, cadmium, lead, and mercury are four heavy metals with no biological role in humans. However, these metals are commonly used in industrial applications and consumer products. Since these elements are not biodegradeable, their potential toxic effects may be long-lasting within the environment. These heavy metals have the potential to accumulate in vital organs such as the brain, heart, and kidney where they may disrupt normal cellular functioning and if exposures are repetitive or of high concentration, toxicity may result.SUMMARY:
The objective of this review is to provide an overview of arsenic, cadmium, lead, and mercury physical properties, common sources of exposure, basic toxicokinetics and health effects, and to review clinical guidelines and treatment strategies. Acute and chronic symptoms and recommended laboratory biomarker testing are also discussed.
Texto completo:
1
Coleções:
01-internacional
Base de dados:
MEDLINE
Assunto principal:
Arsênio
/
Metais Pesados
/
Mercúrio
Tipo de estudo:
Guideline
Limite:
Humans
Idioma:
En
Ano de publicação:
2023
Tipo de documento:
Article