Heavy metal poisoning can occur when the body accumulates an excessive amount of metals such as arsenic, mercury, and silver. Symptoms can be vague and misdiagnosed as chronic conditions. Exposure can occur in various environments, and acute and chronic cases can cause a range of symptoms, including damage to organs and the development of certain diseases.
Heavy metal belongs to a subset of elements that possess metal-like properties and can include materials such as arsenic, mercury, and silver. People exposed to these materials can develop what is known as heavy metal poisoning, a large buildup of metals in the body that can cause a variety of health complications. Some of the symptoms of this form of poisoning can be vague, and people who develop it can sometimes be misdiagnosed with an untreatable or chronic condition.
It’s not uncommon for people to be exposed to many different types of heavy metals, as these substances can be found in the environment and even in some food sources. In most cases, these materials can be successfully excreted from the body. If, however, a person is exposed to large quantities or due to a pre-existing disease cannot adequately excrete these materials, heavy metal poisoning can occur. This happens when an overabundance of heavy metals is stored in the body’s soft tissues instead of being metabolized.
Excessive exposure to heavy metals can occur in any number of environments. For adults, industrial exposure is more common, as these materials can be found in agricultural settings, as well as manufacturing, pharmaceutical, and residential locations. Children can also develop heavy metal poisoning from residential areas; however, they are more likely to ingest these materials upon contact with contaminated soil, food, or household products.
Acute cases of heavy metal poisoning can cause a variety of unpleasant symptoms. Some of the milder reactions may include cough and sore throat, vomiting and diarrhea, weakness or lack of appetite. More serious symptoms, such as heart problems, seizures, or difficulty breathing, may also occur.
Chronic heavy metal poisoning can develop when a person is regularly exposed to these materials. Many of the acute symptoms also occur in chronic cases; however, more serious and long-lasting reactions can develop, as organs such as the liver, kidneys, or lungs will often suffer some degree of damage. Some of the more common symptoms may include anxiety or an inability to concentrate, migraines, and a generalized tingling sensation.
In some cases, chronic heavy metal poisoning can lead to the development of certain diseases. For example, arsenic, chromium and cadmium are believed to cause some types of cancer. Excessive exposure to thallium and zinc can cause neurological complications.
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