What are Heavy Metals?
A heavy metal is a member of an ill-defined subset of elements that exhibit metallic properties, which would mainly include the transition metals, some metalloids, lanthanides, and actinides. Many different definitions have been proposed—some based on density, some on atomic number or atomic weigh, and some on chemical properties or toxicity.
Lead: is a heavy metal used in many ways from paints to weights for vehicles. It can be broken down from large masses of lead into smaller particles that can even be carried by the air we breathe. Rain will often bring the lead in the air down and put it into our water systems.
Mercury: is a shiny, silver-white metal found in small amounts in the earth's crust. At room temperature, metallic mercury is an odorless liquid that can slowly evaporate into the air. It is the only metal that is a liquid at room temperature.
Uses:
Lead :Most commonly is used in motor vehicles as tire weights, and often fall off and are broken down and absorbed into the environment. Lead used to be used in household paints but due to the recent discoveries of health risks, this use is being eliminated in the U.S.
Mercury:Mercury was used for multiple things, such as thermometers, batteries, barometers, glass mirrors, mascara, neon signs and florescent lamps. However, most of these uses have been stopped being produced with mercury in them due to how hazardous it can be.
Mercury and Lead in Water:
Lead and Mercury: which can be carried by rain, is found throughout the environment mostly due to:
·the release of naturally occurring mercury from rock and soil
· burning oil and coal that contain small amounts of mercury
· release of mercury from metal smelters
· incineration of materials that contain mercury, such as batteries.
How does mercury get into your drinking water?
· Rain and snow can carry mercury from the air into surface waters supplies such as lakes, rivers, and reservoirs.
· Improperly disposed household products, such as mercury containing outdoor paints, can move through soil and reach private well water supplies.
· Can seep into underground water supplies from industrial hazardous waste sites.
· Past applications of mercury-based pesticides on agricultural lands such as farms and fruit nearby surface waters or travel through the soil into underground water supplies.
One of the biggest problems of mercury poisoning is through fish. The mercury leaks into lakes and rivers, and the fish become exposed. Therefore, when humans eat these fish, they become exposed to the mercury too.
Effects on Human Health:
Lead:
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appetite loss
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abdominal pain
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constipation
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fatigue
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sleeplessness
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irritability
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headache
Mercury: Symptoms of Mercury Poisoning are:
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trembling
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loss of coordination
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slurred speech
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loosening of teeth
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memory loss
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depression
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anxiety
In the long run, it can end up affecting their lungs, brain, kidneys, heart and immune system.
Detecting:
When trying to determine whether or not you have any heavy metals in your water, don't use your senses. Heavy metals cannot be seen, smelt or tasted. However, if you are concerned, don't be afraid to ask a reliable chemical testing facility to test your water. If you own a private well, ask a local government agency if there have been any issues with heavy metals in the area.
Prevention:
The best way to prevent lead and mercury poisoning to happen, is just to be aware. Know that there are ways of testing it, and know the symptoms to look for.