Heavy
Heavy Metal Poisoning
Heavy metal poisoning (pronunciation: /ˈhɛvi mɛtəl ˈpɔɪzənɪŋ/) is a medical condition caused by the accumulation of certain metals in the body, which can lead to serious health problems.
Etymology
The term "heavy metal poisoning" is derived from the English words "heavy" and "metal", referring to the density of the metals involved, and "poisoning", which refers to the harmful effects these metals can have on the body.
Definition
Heavy metal poisoning is defined as an overexposure to and accumulation of certain metals in the body, including lead, mercury, arsenic, cadmium, and chromium. These metals can interfere with normal biological processes and cause damage to organs and tissues.
Symptoms
Symptoms of heavy metal poisoning can vary depending on the type of metal involved and the level of exposure. Common symptoms can include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, central and peripheral neurotoxicity, and in severe cases, death.
Treatment
Treatment for heavy metal poisoning typically involves the use of chelation therapy, a medical procedure that involves the administration of chelating agents to remove heavy metals from the body.
Related Terms
- Toxicology: The study of the adverse effects of chemicals, including heavy metals, on living organisms.
- Chelation therapy: A medical procedure used to treat heavy metal poisoning.
- Neurotoxicity: Damage to the nervous system caused by exposure to natural or manmade toxic substances, including heavy metals.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Heavy
- Wikipedia's article - Heavy
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