What is a heavy metals?
A heavy metal is a type of metal.
A heavy metal is defined as a dense metal that is (usually) toxic at low concentrations. (4)
There is no widely agreed criterion-based definition of a heavy metal. (3)
In metallurgy, a heavy metal may be defined on the basis of density. (3)
In physics, a heavy metal may be defined on the basis of atomic number. (3)
In chemistry, or biology, a heavy metal may be defined on the basis of chemical behavior. (3)
Most heavy metals have a high atomic number, atomic weight, and a specific gravity greater than 5.0. (4)
Types of heavy metals
metal with a high density (4)
a toxic, relatively dense metal (4)
What are types of heavy metals?
Heavy metals include some metalloids, transition metals, basic metals, lanthanides, and actinides.
mercury (2) – high density (heavy), toxic (4)
lead (2) – high density (heavy), toxic (4)
nickel (2)
arsenic (2)
cadmium (2)
thallium
cesium
high density (heavy) metals
Heavy metals with a density of greater than 5. (4)
| Metal Type | Density Level | Toxic/Nontoxic |
| Lead(4) | high density (heavy)(4) | toxic(4) |
| Mercury(4) | high density (heavy)(4) | toxic (4) |
| cadmium(4) | ||
| chromium(4) | ||
| iron(4) | ||
| copper(4) | ||
| zinc(4) | ||
| aluminum(4) | ||
| beryllium(4) | ||
| cobalt(4) | ||
| manganese(4) | ||
| arsenic (4) | ||
| titanium | has density of > 5 | |
| vanadium | has density of > 5 | |
| chromium | has density of > 5 | |
| Gold | dense (4) | not particularly toxic (4) |
What can reduce damage from heavy metals?
methionine (1)
Resources
1. https://www.myfooddata.com/articles/high-methionine-foods.php
2. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Omega-3_fatty_acid
3. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Heavy_metals
4. https://www.thoughtco.com/definition-of-heavy-metal-605190
