HEAVY M
ETAL IONS
SOME METAL IONS ARE GOOD!Fe2+, K+, Ca2+, Mg2+
Essential to the health of humans. May be in water but mostly get in
food we eat.
HEAVY METAL IONS ARE HARMFUL!Lead- Pb2+
Mercury- Hg2+
1) Bind to proteins preventing them from doing their intended tasks
2) Damage to nervous system, brain, kidneys, and liver
LEAD (PB)Sources in environment:
1) Paint- most paints no longer contain lead
2) Automobile batteries3) Leaded gasoline until 1970’s4) Lead pipes in older homes
MERCURY Sources in environment;1) Fluorescent light bulbs2) Medical thermometers3) Formally used in antiseptics and
pesticides
MAD HATTER- DUE TO MERCURY POISONING