Toxic Metals and Elements
PHHE 351: Elements of Environmental Health
Learning Objectives
By the end of this chapter the reader will be able to:
? Name five heavy metals that pose health hazards to humans.
? State mechanisms for exposure of humans to toxic metals.
? Distinguish between essential and toxic levels of trace metals.
? Describe occupational settings in which workers are exposed to
toxic metals.
? Discuss methods for prevention of exposure to toxic metals.
Include
Heavy metals (e.g.,
lead, mercury,
nickel)
Other metallic
compounds (e.g.,
aluminum, iron, tin)
Toxic
Metals
Featured in the
CERCLA Priority List
of Hazardous
Substances
? Prioritized by ATSDR and EPA
National
Priorities
List (NPL)
? Lists “most serious uncontrolled or abandoned
hazardous waste sites in the United States
identified for possible long-term remedial action
under Superfund”
? Sites scored based on the Hazard Ranking System
and updated at least once a year
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