Toxic alloys: how heavy metals affect the human body

About 50 chemical elements are considered heavy metals, and 17 of them are extremely common and very toxic, including lead, aluminum, mercury, cadmium and others.

The level of toxicity of heavy metals depends on many factors, including the state of the human body, its immunity, congenital and chronic diseases, and much more. At the same time, dangerous chemical compounds can have a negative impact not only on the physiological processes in the body, but also on the psychoemotional state of a person.

• Lead is one of the most well-known toxic metals. Its accumulation, especially in the liver, kidneys and bones, can have a destructive effect on the human body. When calcium, zinc or magnesium is deficient, the harmful effects of lead increase, creating additional health risks. One of the characteristic features of lead is its ability to suppress the immune system.
• Aluminum — It has long been considered a safe metal. However, recent studies have shown that it also has a negative impact on human health. Excessive levels of this chemical element can cause kidney and liver diseases, adversely affect the functioning of the nervous system, and displace important microelements such as iron, manganese, phosphorus and potassium.
• Cadmium — a metal that affects the body even more than lead. Its presence can cause hypertension, lung and kidney diseases, and disrupt calcium metabolism, leading to bone health problems and even hair loss. By expelling selenium and zinc from the body, cadmium weakens the immune system and may be associated with the development of cancer.
• Zinc — is a natural antioxidant. It supports metabolic processes in the body, affects taste perception, promotes wound healing and has antiviral effects. However, excess zinc can cause dysfunction of the pancreas and other organs of the gastrointestinal tract.
• Mercury — another dangerous chemical element that, when ingested, can cause the destruction of kidneys and joints. Its negative impact also extends to the psychological state and nervous system, manifesting itself in the form of various neurological symptoms.

Sources of heavy metals can be drinking water, food, cosmetics, household chemicals and exhaust gases. But workers in the metallurgical and mining industries are most affected by these chemical elements.

The impact of heavy metals on the health of workers in the metallurgical industry

Industrial dust at metallurgical plants often contains particles of metals and other abrasive materials. Among the toxic substances characteristic of this industry are benzene, iron oxides, hydrogen chloride, lead, manganese, mercury vapors, phenol, formaldehydes, chromium oxides, carbon oxides and other chemical compounds. When these toxic substances enter the body through the respiratory tract, they primarily attack the bronchi and lungs, contributing to the development of various diseases of the respiratory system. Pneumoconioses and dust bronchitis are common consequences of exposure to industrial dust.

Toxic gases also pose a significant risk to workers in the metallurgical industry. Prolonged contact with them can cause not only intoxication of the body, but also lead to the development of so-called foundry fever, which is accompanied by fever. In addition, exposure to toxic gases can have negative effects on human skin and cause various forms of dermatitis, including contact dermatitis and photodermatitis. They can also cause inflammation of the hair follicles and damage to the nails (onychia or paronychia).

It is important to emphasize that workers in the metallurgical industry are at risk of exposure to heavy metals and toxic gases during their employment. This can have serious consequences for their health, causing a number of chronic diseases of the lungs, skin, and other organs. To prevent such risks, we are at St. Petersburg Precision Alloy Plant we strictly comply with safety measures, including regulations for the treatment and disposal of toxic substances, as well as the rules for the use of PPE (personal protective equipment) and other protective equipment.

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