Understanding Heavy Metal Toxicity: Lead and Mercury Poisoning
Lead and mercury poisoning are serious health concerns caused by exposure to these toxic heavy metals. Lead, commonly found in products like batteries and paints, can lead to developmental delays, abdominal pain, and more. On the other hand, mercury, present in various forms, can cause symptoms such as mood swings, tremors, kidney malfunction, and even death. It is crucial to be aware of the sources and symptoms of heavy metal toxicity to prevent health complications.
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Heavy metal toxicity B.Pharm. Sixth Sem. BP602T
LEAD POISONING: It is one of the most common diseases of toxic environmental origin and accounts for about 0.6% of the global burden of disease. Lead is a naturally occurring heavy metal found in the earth's crust. It is soft, malleable, and melts at a relatively low temperature. It is easily moulded and can be combined with other metals to form alloys. It is widely used in many products such as lead-acid batteries for motor vehicles, pigments, paints, solder, stained glass, lead crystal glassware, ammunition, ceramic glazes, jewellery, and toys and in some cosmetics and traditional medicines. Mining, smelting, manufacturing and recycling activities, and the continued use of leaded paint, leaded gasoline, and leaded aviation fuel (in some countries) are important sources responsible for environmental contamination. Drinking water supplied through lead pipes or pipes joined with lead solder may contain lead. Widespread use of lead has resulted in to extensive environmental contamination and health problems in many parts of the world. Humans also suffer from lead intoxication through the food chain. Lead is a cumulative toxicant (increasing in quantity in the body over many years) that affects multiple body systems (neurologic, hematologic, gastrointestinal, cardiovascular, and renal systems).
Lead poisoning symptoms: The Signs and symptoms of lead poisoning in children include. Developmental delay, Learning difficulties, Irritability, Loss of appetite, Weight loss, Sluggishness and fatigue. Abdominal pain, Vomiting, Constipation, Hearing loss, Seizures, Eating things, such as paint chips, that aren't food (pica). Newborns: Be born prematurely, Have lower birth weight, have slowed growth. MERCURY POISONING Mercury is an element that is found all over the earth, in soil, rocks, and water. Even trace amounts can be found in the air. The largest deposits on earth are as cinnabar (mercuric sulfide). Mercury exists in several forms such as a liquid metal (quicksilver), as a vapor, and in compounds (organic and inorganic). Scientifically, the symbol for mercury is Hg and its element number is 80. Mercury has been used for centuries as a medicine, to make amalgams, and in many industrial applications. Eventually, scientists, physicians and others realized the various forms of mercury caused health problems. The problem with mercury is that if humans are exposed to it, depending on the amount (dose), route (ingestion, skin contact, inhalation), and duration (time) of exposure, mercury can be toxic to humans. Some elemental and chemical forms of mercury (vapor, methylmercury, inorganic mercury) are more toxic than other forms. The human fetus and medically compromised people (for example, patients with lung or kidney problems) are the most susceptible to the toxic effects of mercury.
Sign & Symptoms of Hg poisoning: The elemental mercury toxicity (which usually occurs in the vaporized form) can cause: mood swings, nervousness, irritability, and other emotional changes, insomnia, headache, abnormal sensations, muscle twitching, tremors, weakness, muscle atrophy, and decreased cognitive functions. High exposures of elemental mercury can cause kidney malfunction, respiratory failure, and death. The peripheral vision impairment, stinging or needle-like sensations in the extremities and mouth, loss of coordination, muscle weakness, and other impairments of speech and hearing. The peripheral vision impairment, stinging or needle-like sensations in the extremities and mouth, loss of coordination, muscle weakness, and other impairments of speech and hearing.
ARSENIC POISONING: It is a grey-appearing chemical element (atomic number 33, symbol As in the periodic table) also termed a metalloid. It can exist in a metallic state in three forms (yellow, black, and gray; with gray predominating) and in ionic forms. Arsenic is considered to be a heavy metal, and arsenic toxicity shares some features with poisonings by other heavy metals. It has been used as a medicinal agent, a pigment, a pesticide, and an agent with intent to harm. It can be found as a contaminant in food and water sources. Shellfish and other seafood, as well as fruits, vegetables, and rice; are the foods most commonly contaminated. Arsenic poisoning typically occurs as a result of industrial exposure, from contaminated wine or illegally distilled spirits, or in cases of malicious intent. Sign & Symptom: Acute or immediate symptoms of a toxic level of exposure to arsenic may include the following, Vomiting, Abdominal pain, Diarrhea, Dark urine (termed black water urine), Dehydration, Cardiac problems, Hemolysis (destruction of red blood cells), Vertigo, Delirium, Shock and Death. Long-term exposures to arsenic lower than toxic levels can lead to skin changes (darkening or discoloration, redness, swelling and hyperkeratosis (skin bumps that resemble corns or warts). Whitish lines lines) may appear in the fingernails. Both sensory and motor nerve defects can develop. Additionally, liver and kidney function may be affected. Arsenic exposure over the long-term has also been associated with the development of certain cancers, and arsenic has been classified as a carcinogen.
Chelation therapy (the use of drugs that selectively bind and effectively inactivate substances) is usually begun quickly through an intravenous line. The drug and the bound metal is then excreted through the urine. Chelating agents useful as drugs are: Dimercaprol (BAL) Calcium disodium DTPA Dimercaptosuccinic Penicillamine acid (Succimer) Desferrioxamine Disodium edetate Deferiprone Calcium disodium edetate Antidote: The chelation drug of choice is Dimercaprol (also termed BAL in oil); Succimer (DMSA) has also been used successfully, and Dimerval (DMPS) may also work as a chelator.
