Human Health Effects of Heavy Metals

Heavy metals are individual metals and metal compounds that can impact human health. Eight common heavy metals are discussed in this brief: arsenic, barium, cadmium, chromium, lead, mercury, selenium and silver.

These are all naturally occurring substances which are often present in the environment at low levels. In larger amounts, they can be dangerous. Generally, humans are exposed to these metals by ingestion (drinking or eating) or inhalation (breathing). Working in or living near an industrial site which utilizes these metals and their compounds increases ones risk of exposure, as does living near a site where these metals have been improperly disposed. Subsistence lifestyles can also impose higher risks of exposure and health impacts because of hunting and gathering activities.

Click here to view this brief in its entirety, published by the Center for Hazardous Substance Research.