Heavy metals are metallic chemical elements found in earth’s crust
that have relatively large atomic masses.

Some such metals include:
Mercury = Hg
Chromium = Cr
Beryllium= Be
Thallium = Tl
Lead = Pb
Copper = Cu
Cadmium = Cd
Arsenic = As
Manganese = Mn

In low concentrations, certain heavy metals can be extremely hazardous. For example, mercury, lead, chromium, arsenic, thallium, and cadmium are toxic and poisonous.

Who is affected by heavy metals?

Because these toxic metals are found in the air, soil water and food, many organisms are affected by them. Wildlife and humans are constantly exposed to amounts of such metals due to their concentration in the air. People near or in industrial areas have a higher chance of being affected. Studies have shown that children have also been exposed to certain metals.

Where are heavy metals found?

The heavy metal arsenic can be found around hazardous waste sites. Beryllium and Mercury are mainly located in mining, silver and gold sites. Cadmium, an extremely toxic metal, is found near or at industrial locations where ore is being processed. A leading cause of lung cancer, Chromium is found near industrial sites as well.

Are heavy metals an environmental problem?

Yes, heavy metals can be an environmental problem when they are released into the environment. Found in air, soil, water and food, thee toxic metals affect the organisms and humans who rely on such resources. Consummation of these metals can cause great damage to wildlife and humans.

Our highlight is Lead, Pb, specifically Lead Poisoning in children. Here is a "brainstorm" of thoughts connecting you to the concept:

More than four hundred thousand children under the age of six
have too much lead in their blood.

deteriorating paint
household dust
bare soil, air
drinking water
food
ceramics
home remedies
hair dyes and other cosmetics
leaded gasoline (U.S. banned 1978)

very low levels of exposure:
reduced IQ
learning disabilities
attention deficit disorders
behavioral problems
stunted growth
impaired hearing
kidney damage

high levels of exposure:
mentally retarded
coma
death

The Mad Hatter had Hg poisoning!

Lewis Carroll's Mad Hatter was truly mad. This was the result of making the very hats he gained his name from. In the Hat Making industry of the days of fur hats made mostly from beaver pelts, compounds of Mercury were used to separate the fur from the pelts. Consequently, a "Hatter" was chronically exposed to Mercury vapors; Hatters became mad because of their career.

Those who enjoy canoeing on the Housatonic Rive in Connecticut, like the FA Outdoor Edrs. have learned to not eat the fish in this river. Back in the days of felt hats the beaver pelts were shipped from the west (trappers to buyers to hatters) to Danbury Ct. where the Hat Industry thrived for many years until about 1945 when Mercury use was made illegal and the Hat Industry collapsed.

Even today Danbury is known as the "Hat City." Are the people of Danbury Mad? No, the Madness is not in the genes. But the Hg is still there in the soil of the Housatonic River.