Table 6 Health risk and possible sources for human intake of the metals zinc, aluminum, copper, nickel and lead.
From: Heavy metals in the sediments of urban sinkholes in Cancun, Quintana Roo
Health risk | Source for human intake | References | |
|---|---|---|---|
Zn | Stomach cramps, nausea, vomiting. Ingesting high levels for several months may cause anemia, damage the pancreas and decrease levels of high density lipoprotein (HDL) | Food and water containing Zn, pharmaceutical and cosmetic products. Inhaled from coal burning, dust or fumes from smelting or welding operations | |
Al | Lungs and nervous system sensitivity or toxicity following inhalation exposure | Atmospheric aluminum in urban and industrial location, cookware, pharmaceutical products | |
Cu | Gastrointestinal and hepatic sensitivity or toxicity | Contaminated drinking water, used as antimicrobial agents in drinking water treatments. Household (construction) and electrical material, cookware, fertilizers, wood preservatives, roofing and marine antifouling paints. Cu alloys used in heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning | |
Ni | Allergic reactions (approximately 10–20% of the population is sensitive to Ni). Chronic bronchitis, reduced lung function, cancer | Inhaled from fumes from trash incinerators. Dermal contact with contaminated soil | |
Pb | Due to its high molecular weight and chemical characteristics, it competes with and obstructs metabolic processes, and alters the integrity of the cell membranes, the metabolism of vitamin D, DNA transcription, among others. It acts on the brain and the peripheral nervous system. Toxic to kidney and circulatory system, and alters reproductive system and the normal conformation of the fetus | Mainly related to gasoline that contained lead (phased out at the beginning of the 1990s). Glazed ceramic, paints for domestic and outdoor use, mineral mills and metallurgical smelters. Released from recycling lead acid batteries. Maternal–fetal transmission of bone lead from mother to fetus |
