HEAVY

METAL I

ONS

SOME METAL IONS ARE GOOD!

Fe2+, K+, Ca2+, Mg2+

Essential to the health of humans.

May be in water but mostly get in food we eat.

HEAVY METAL IONS ARE HARMFUL!

Lead- Pb2+

Mercury- Hg2+

1) Bind to proteins preventing them from doing their intended tasks

2) Damage to nervous system, brain, kidneys, and liver

LEAD (PB)

Sources in environment:

1) Paint- most paints no longer contain lead

2) Automobile batteries

3) Leaded gasoline until 1970’s

4) Lead pipes in older homes

MERCURY

Sources in environment;

1) Fluorescent light bulbs

2) Medical thermometers

3) Formally used in antiseptics and pesticides

MAD HATTER- DUE TO MERCURY POISONING