Health and Environmental Effects of Heavy Metals (Cd, Pb, As)

Abstract

There is an increasing concern over environmental pollution because, over the course of the recent decades. Among the heavy metals lead, chrome and arsenic are more toxic to humans. Because of heavy metals’ toxicity to the environment and humans, they are considered important environmental pollutants. These pollutants due to their non-biodegradable, high toxicity are regarded as custodians of the health of the society. Heavy metals are systemic poisons and by a specific effect on the nerves, carcinogenesis can cause death. These poison by disrupting in the nervous system and interfere with neurotransmitters; the immune system can cause horrible effects on human health. The aim of this study was to determine the health and environmental effects of heavy metals with an emphasis on cadmium, lead, and arsenic. To do this review study, previous research conducted by the authors and a review of texts from other authoritative scientific sources have been used. Due to the destructive and harmful effects of toxic elements of heavy metals on humans and other living organisms, their removal from wastewater is inevitable. For this reason, in order to implement the regulations, it is necessary that before discharging sewage into the environment, their heavy metals treated to the standard limit.

Keywords

• environmental pollutions
• heavy metals
• health effects
• cumulative properties