The Toxicology of Essential and Nonessential Metals

No matter how careful we are at using metals in industrial processes, some level of human exposure is unavoidable. Countless metals are obtained through mining and smelting activities that amplify their distribution throughout the environment. Applications of metals in industry, medicine, and agriculture have increased our exposure. These metals are not merely an occupational hazard for those working with them—they affect consumers and anyone exposed through environmental contamination. Even worse, they cannot be destroyed and are thus non-biodegradable. The blades we use, the pots and pans we cook with, children’s face paint, and facial makeup contain toxic metals. Toxic heavy metals are also found in cigarettes, gourmet foods such as seasonings, fish, and chocolates. When you sprinkle a dish with Himalayan sea salt, you may end up ingesting toxic metals such as arsenic, cadmium and lead.