Heavy metal ions

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