chemical Class
Metals
Chemicals in the class:
Antimony, Arsenic (inorganic only), Arsenic, total, Barium, Beryllium, Cadmium, Cesium, Chromium, Cobalt, Lead, Mercury, inorganic, Mercury, total, Methylmercury, Molybdenum, Platinum, Thallium, Tungsten, Uranium
Summary
Heavy metals are age old industrial toxins that cause multiple impacts to human health. Most heavy metals impact several body systems. Lead and mercury are highly toxic to the brain, nervous system, kidneys, reproductive system, and immune system. (ATSDR 1999; ATSDR 1999) Many are probable or known carcinogens. (NTP 2002) Scientific research is beginning to question the role that a lifetime of metals exposure may play in degenerative diseases of aging like Parkinsons and Alzheimers. (Zawia 2005)
Unlike many other chemicals detected in the human body, much more is known about the toxic effects of heavy metal exposures, sources of exposure to the chemical, and typical concentrations in modern populations. However, despite this knowledge, millions of Americans suffer from chronic exposures to heavy metals, including lead, mercury, arsenic and cadmium. The CDC recently reported 10% of American women of childbearing age (7 million women each year) have mercury in their blood at levels that the are potentially unsafe for the developing fetus. (NAS 2000).
People are exposed to heavy metals via many common sources: house paint (lead), dental fillings (mercury), vaccines (mercury), cigarettes (cadmium), food, drinking water and hazardous waste sites.
Blood measurements of heavy metals are often a snapshot of what the body has been exposed to within the last month or so. The human body removes half of any given mercury exposure within about two months. However, when mercury reaches the brain, it can be transformed into inorganic mercury and reside in the brain for much longer. Lead is stored in the bone for years, and remobilized into the bloodstream during pregnancy. Mercury in the blood of pregnant women accumulates in higher concentrations in her developing child. (ATSDR 1999)
Metals
Toxic metals impact a variety of body systems. Most sensitive effects are to the brain and nervous system of developing infant and child.
Top health concerns for Metals (References)
| health concern or target organ | weight of evidence |
| Brain and nervous system | unknown |
| Birth defects and developmental delays | unknown |
Other health concerns for Metals (References)
| health concern or target organ | weight of evidence |
| Cancer | known |
| Reproduction and fertility | unknown |
| Kidney and renal system | strong |
| Hematologic (blood) system | strong |
| Cardiovascular system | strong |
| Endocrine system | known |
| Sense organs | strong |
| Musculoskeletal system | strong |
| Immune system (including sensitization and allergies) | unknown |
| Persistent, accumulates in wildlife and/or people | probable |
| Gastrointestinal (including liver) | moderate |
| Skin | unknown |
| Respiratory system | strong |
| General/other organs and biological systems | limited |
| Wildlife and environment | probable |
Data gaps for Metals (References)
Data are insufficient to assess cancer potential.
Violations, restrictions, and warnings for Metals (References)
Unsafe for use in cosmetics, Canada.
Restricted for use in cosmetics, Canada.
Other relevant risk considerations for Metals (References)
Wildlife and environmental toxicity.
Toxicity Classifications (References)
| classification | governing entity/references |
| ; The chemical is toxic to the kidneys in the occupational setting; this is a primary toxic effect of the chemical; Toxic pneumonitis - Inflammation of the lungs induced by inhalation of metal fumes or toxic gases and vapors | National Library of Medicine HazMap |
| A1 - Confirmed human carcinogen, ACGIH (American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygeinists) | Amer Conf of Gov't Industrial Hygienists - Carcinogens |
| A2- Suspected human carcinogen, ACGIH (American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygeinists) | Amer Conf of Gov't Industrial Hygienists - Carcinogens |
| A3- Confirmed animal carcinogen with unknown relevance to humans, ACGIH (American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygeinists) | Amer Conf of Gov't Industrial Hygienists - Carcinogens |
| ADD/ADHD, hyperactivity - Limited | CHE Toxicant and Disease Database |
| ADD/ADHD, hyperactivity - Strong | CHE Toxicant and Disease Database |
| Abnormal sperm (morphology, motility, and sperm count) - Limited | CHE Toxicant and Disease Database |
| Acute hepatocellular injury (Hepatitis) - Good | CHE Toxicant and Disease Database |
| Acute tubular necrosis - Good | CHE Toxicant and Disease Database |
| Acute tubular necrosis - Strong | CHE Toxicant and Disease Database |
| Adult-onset Leukemias * - Limited | CHE Toxicant and Disease Database |
| Alopecia (hair loss) - Strong | CHE Toxicant and Disease Database |
| Alzheimer's - Limited | CHE Toxicant and Disease Database |
| Anemia (including hemolytic) - Good | CHE Toxicant and Disease Database |
| Anemia (including hemolytic) - Strong | CHE Toxicant and Disease Database |
| Arrhythmias - Good | CHE Toxicant and Disease Database |
| Arrhythmias - Limited | CHE Toxicant and Disease Database |
| Arrhythmias - Strong | CHE Toxicant and Disease Database |
| Asthma - allergic - Strong | CHE Toxicant and Disease Database |
| Autoimmune antibodies (positive ANA, anti-DNA, RF, etc.) - Limited | CHE Toxicant and Disease Database |
| B1 Probable human carcinogen - based on limited evidence of carcinogenicity in humans (1986) | EPA Integrated Risk Information System (IRIS) |
| Behavioral problems* - Strong | CHE Toxicant and Disease Database |
| Berylliosis - Strong | CHE Toxicant and Disease Database |
| Bioaccumulative - can build up in the environment, food chain, and people, with the rate of intake exceeding the rate of elimination | National Library of Medicine HazMap |
| Bladder cancer - Limited | CHE Toxicant and Disease Database |
| Bone cancer/Ewings sarcoma - Limited | CHE Toxicant and Disease Database |
| Brain cancer (adult)* - Good | CHE Toxicant and Disease Database |
| Brain cancer (adult)* - Limited | CHE Toxicant and Disease Database |
| Bronchitis - acute - Good | CHE Toxicant and Disease Database |
| Bronchitis - chronic - Strong | CHE Toxicant and Disease Database |
| COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) - Good | CHE Toxicant and Disease Database |
| Cancer hazards: recognized | P65, P65-MC |
| Cancer hazards: suspected | HAZMAP, SCDM, P65-MC |
| Carcinoid - Limited | CHE Toxicant and Disease Database |
| Cardiomyopathy - Good | CHE Toxicant and Disease Database |
| Cardiomyopathy - Limited | CHE Toxicant and Disease Database |
| Cardiomyopathy - Strong | CHE Toxicant and Disease Database |
| Cardiovascular or blood toxicity hazards: suspected | BENO, EPA-HEN, HAZMAP, KLAA, KRIS, LADO, MALA, STAC, BENO, EPA-HEN, HAZMAP, KLAA, KRIS, LADO, MALA, OEHHA-CREL, RTECS, STAC, BENO, KLAA, LADO, RTECS, BENO, LADO, ATSDR, BENO, EPA-HEN, KRIS, LADO |
| Cataracts - Strong | CHE Toxicant and Disease Database |
| Chronic renal disease - Good | CHE Toxicant and Disease Database |
| Chronic renal disease - Limited | CHE Toxicant and Disease Database |
| Chronic renal disease - Strong | CHE Toxicant and Disease Database |
| Cognitive impairment (includes impaired learning, impaired memory, and decreased attention span)/Mental Retardation/Developmental Delay - Limited | CHE Toxicant and Disease Database |
| Cognitive impairment (includes impaired learning, impaired memory, and decreased attention span)/Mental Retardation/Developmental Delay - Strong | CHE Toxicant and Disease Database |
| Contact dermatitis - Irritant - Strong | CHE Toxicant and Disease Database |
| Coronary artery disease, peripheral vascular disease, atherosclerosis - Good | CHE Toxicant and Disease Database |
| Coronary artery disease, peripheral vascular disease, atherosclerosis - Limited | CHE Toxicant and Disease Database |
| Coronary artery disease, peripheral vascular disease, atherosclerosis - Strong | CHE Toxicant and Disease Database |
| Cranio- Facial malformations* - Limited | CHE Toxicant and Disease Database |
| Decreased Coordination/ Dysequilibrium* - Strong | CHE Toxicant and Disease Database |
| Delayed growth - Good | CHE Toxicant and Disease Database |
| Dementia - Good | CHE Toxicant and Disease Database |
| Developmental toxicity hazards: recognized | P65, P65-MC |
| Developmental toxicity hazards: suspected | EPA-SARA, ATSDR |
| EPA: probable endocrine disruptor | Illinois EPA Chemicals Associated with Endocrine System |
| Endocrine toxicity hazards: suspected | BRUC, IL-EPA, KEIT, WWF |
| Erectile dysfunction - Limited | CHE Toxicant and Disease Database |
| Esophageal cancer - Limited | CHE Toxicant and Disease Database |
| Fetotoxicity (Miscarriage/spontaneous abortion, stillbirth) - Good | CHE Toxicant and Disease Database |
| Fetotoxicity (Miscarriage/spontaneous abortion, stillbirth) - Limited | CHE Toxicant and Disease Database |
| Gastrointestinal or liver toxicity hazards: suspected | EPA-HEN, RTECS, STAC, ATSDR, DIPA, EPA-HEN, KLAA, LADO, MALA, RTECS, STAC, ZIMM, CARB, TAC, ATSDR, DOSS, LADO, MALA |
| Genito-urinary malformations (includes male and female) - Limited | CHE Toxicant and Disease Database |
| Glomerulonephritis - Good | CHE Toxicant and Disease Database |
| Gout - Strong | CHE Toxicant and Disease Database |
| Granulomatous disease (liver) - Good | CHE Toxicant and Disease Database |
| Group A: Human carcinogen according (EPA classification) | EPA Integrated Risk Information System (IRIS) |
| Group B2: Probable human carcinogen - sufficient data in animals (EPA classification) | EPA Integrated Risk Information System (IRIS) |
| Group C: Possible human carcinogen (EPA classification) | EPA Integrated Risk Information System (IRIS) |
| Group D: Not classifiable as to human carcinogenicity (EPA classification) | EPA Integrated Risk Information System (IRIS) |
| Hard metal disease - Strong | CHE Toxicant and Disease Database |
| Hazardous air pollutant under Clean Air Act | EPA Hazardous Air Pollutants |
| Hearing loss - Strong | CHE Toxicant and Disease Database |
| Hypertension (High blood pressure) - Good | CHE Toxicant and Disease Database |
| Hypertension (High blood pressure) - Limited | CHE Toxicant and Disease Database |
| Hypertension (High blood pressure) - Strong | CHE Toxicant and Disease Database |
| Hypoactivity - Limited | CHE Toxicant and Disease Database |
| IARC 3: mixed or limited evidence on human cancer potential (International Agency for Research on Carcinogens) | Inter'l Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) Carcinogens |
| IARC Group 1: carcinogenic to humans (International Agency for Research on Carcinogens) | Inter'l Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) Carcinogens |
| IARC Group 2B: possible human carcinogen (International Agency for Research on Carcinogens) | Inter'l Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) Carcinogens |
| Immune suppression * - Good | CHE Toxicant and Disease Database |
| Immune suppression * - Limited | CHE Toxicant and Disease Database |
| Immunotoxicity hazards: suspected | IPCS, HAZMAP, SNCI, EEC, OEHHA-CREL, EEC, EPA-HEN, HAZMAP, SNCI |
| Itai-itai disease - Strong | CHE Toxicant and Disease Database |
| Kidney toxicity hazards: suspected | EPA-HEN, HAZMAP, KLAA, LAND, MERCK, STAC, EPA-HEN, LAND, MERCK, STAC, ATSDR, EPA-HEN, HAZMAP, KLAA, LAND, MERCK, OEHHA-CREL, RTECS, STAC, HAZMAP, KLAA, MERCK, ATSDR, HAZMAP, LAND, MERCK |
| Known to be neurotoxic to humans, suspected developmental neurotoxin | Chemicals known to be neurotoxic to humans |
| Low birth weight/Small for Gestational Age/Intra-Uterine Growth Retardation - Good | CHE Toxicant and Disease Database |
| Lung cancer - Strong | CHE Toxicant and Disease Database |
| May cause cancer (European Union classification); May cause cancer by inhalation; Very toxic; Very toxic by inhalation; Toxic; Toxic if swallowed; Irritant; Irritating to eyes, respiratory system and skin; May cause sensitization by skin contact | European Union - Classification & Labelling |
| May cause cancer (European Union classification); May cause cancer; Limited evidence of mutagenic effect (European Union classification); Possible risk of irreversible effects; Limited evidence of reproductive toxicity (European Union classification); Possible risk of impaired fertility; Toxic; Toxic: danger of serious damage to health by prolonged exposure through inhalation and if swallowed; Very toxic; Very toxic by inhalation; Dangerous for the environment; Very toxic to aquatic organisms | European Union - Classification & Labelling |
| May cause cancer (European Union classification); May cause cancer; Limited evidence of mutagenic effect (European Union classification); Possible risk of irreversible effects; Limited evidence of reproductive toxicity (European Union classification); Possible risk of impaired fertility; Toxic; Toxic: danger of serious damage to health by prolonged exposure through inhalation and if swallowed; Very toxic; Very toxic by inhalation; Highly flammable; Spontaneously flammable in air; Dangerous for the environment; Very toxic to aquatic organisms | European Union - Classification & Labelling |
| May cause sensitization by inhalation and skin contact; May cause long-term adverse effects in the aquatic environment | European Union - Classification & Labelling |
| May cause sensitization by skin contact, with allergic reaction in skin or lungs; | National Library of Medicine HazMap |
| May cause sensitization by skin contact, with allergic reaction in skin or lungs; ; The chemical is toxic to the kidneys in the occupational setting; this is a primary toxic effect of the chemical; Toxic pneumonitis - Inflammation of the lungs induced by inhalation of metal fumes or toxic gases and vapors | National Library of Medicine HazMap |
| May cause sensitization by skin contact, with allergic reaction in skin or lungs; May cause asthma; ; The chemical is toxic to the kidneys in the occupational setting; this is a primary toxic effect of the chemical; Bioaccumulative - can build up in the environment, food chain, and people, with the rate of intake exceeding the rate of elimination | National Library of Medicine HazMap |
| May cause sensitization by skin contact, with allergic reaction in skin or lungs; May cause asthma; Toxic pneumonitis - Inflammation of the lungs induced by inhalation of metal fumes or toxic gases and vapors; Bioaccumulative - can build up in the environment, food chain, and people, with the rate of intake exceeding the rate of elimination | National Library of Medicine HazMap |
| Menstrual disorders (abnormal bleeding, short cycles, long cycles, irregular cycles, painful periods) - Good | CHE Toxicant and Disease Database |
| Menstrual disorders (abnormal bleeding, short cycles, long cycles, irregular cycles, painful periods) - Limited | CHE Toxicant and Disease Database |
| Mesothelioma - Limited | CHE Toxicant and Disease Database |
| Metal fume fever - Limited | CHE Toxicant and Disease Database |
| Nasal polyps - Strong | CHE Toxicant and Disease Database |
| Nasal septal perforation - Good | CHE Toxicant and Disease Database |
| Nasal septal perforation - Limited | CHE Toxicant and Disease Database |
| Nasal septal perforation - Strong | CHE Toxicant and Disease Database |
| Nephrotic syndrome - Good | CHE Toxicant and Disease Database |
| Nervous system toxicity - weight of evidence unknown/unassessed | EPA (1999). Integrated Risk Information System (IRIS) on Elemental Mercury. . Washington, DC, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, National Center for Environmental Assessment, Office of Research and Development. |
| Neural tube defects/CNS malformations* - Limited | CHE Toxicant and Disease Database |
| Neurosthenia (Organic affective syndrome) - Limited | CHE Toxicant and Disease Database |
| Olfactory alterations (hyposmia, anosmia, dysomias) - Strong | CHE Toxicant and Disease Database |
| Osteomalacia - Good | CHE Toxicant and Disease Database |
| Osteoporosis - Limited | CHE Toxicant and Disease Database |
| Osteoporosis - Strong | CHE Toxicant and Disease Database |
| Pancreatic cancer - Limited | CHE Toxicant and Disease Database |
| Pancreatitis - Limited | CHE Toxicant and Disease Database |
| Peripheral neuropathy - Limited | CHE Toxicant and Disease Database |
| Peripheral neuropathy - Strong | CHE Toxicant and Disease Database |
| Persistent, bioaccumulative toxicant - Oslo-Paris (OSPAR) Convention for the Protection of the Marine Environment of the North-East Atlantic, priority chemical | OSPAR (2002). OSPAR List of Substances of Possible Concern. Secondary OSPAR List of Substances of Possible Concern. Secondary OSPAR. Place Published, OSPAR Convention for the Protection of the Marine Environement of North-East Atlanic. |
| Persistent, bioaccumulative toxicant - Resource Conservation and Recovery Act, priority chemical for voluntary waste/emission reductions | EPA Waste Minimization Program (RCRA) (1998) |
| Persistent, bioaccumulative toxicant - targeted for waste reporting under U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Toxics Release Inventory programs | EPA Toxic Release Inventory (1999) |
| Persistent, bioaccumulative toxicant under Canada's Accelerated Reduction/Elimination of Toxics program - targeted for elimination or reduction | EC (Environment Canada). 1994. Accelerated Reduction/Elimination of Toxics (ARET). ARET substance list of persistent, bioaccumulative and toxic chemicals. |
| Photosensitivity - Good | CHE Toxicant and Disease Database |
| Pneumoconiosis - Limited | CHE Toxicant and Disease Database |
| Pneumoconiosis - Strong | CHE Toxicant and Disease Database |
| Pneumonia - Good | CHE Toxicant and Disease Database |
| Pneumonitis (hypersensitivity) - Strong | CHE Toxicant and Disease Database |
| Porphyria (toxic) - Good | CHE Toxicant and Disease Database |
| Potential asthmagen, according to the Association of Occupational and Environmental Clinics (AOEC) | Assoc of Occupational and Environmental Clinics - Asthmagens |
| Potential occupational carcinogen according to NIOSH (National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health) | NIOSH Carcinogens List |
| Pre-term delivery - Good | CHE Toxicant and Disease Database |
| Priority substance in EU water policy | European Union - Water Framework Directive |
| Priority water pollutant under the Clean Water Act | EPA Water Quality Standards Database |
| Prohibited from use in Canadian cosmetics | Canada's Cosmetic Ingredient Hotlist |
| Prostate cancer - Limited | CHE Toxicant and Disease Database |
| Psychiatric disturbances (disorientation, hallucinations, psychosis, delirium, paranoias, anxiety/depression, emotional laibility, mood changes, euphoria). - Limited | CHE Toxicant and Disease Database |
| Psychiatric disturbances (disorientation, hallucinations, psychosis, delirium, paranoias, anxiety/depression, emotional laibility, mood changes, euphoria). - Strong | CHE Toxicant and Disease Database |
| Pulmonary edema - Good | CHE Toxicant and Disease Database |
| Pulmonary edema - Limited | CHE Toxicant and Disease Database |
| Pulmonary fibrosis - Good | CHE Toxicant and Disease Database |
| Pulmonary fibrosis - Limited | CHE Toxicant and Disease Database |
| Reduced Fertility - Female (infertility and subfertility) - Good | CHE Toxicant and Disease Database |
| Reduced Fertility - Male (infertility and subfertility) - Good | CHE Toxicant and Disease Database |
| Reduced Fertility - Male (infertility and subfertility) - Limited | CHE Toxicant and Disease Database |
| Reduced Fertility - Male (infertility and subfertility) - Strong | CHE Toxicant and Disease Database |
| Renal (kidney) cancer - Limited | CHE Toxicant and Disease Database |
| Renal stones - Strong | CHE Toxicant and Disease Database |
| Reproductive toxicity hazards: recognized | P65 |
| Reproductive toxicity hazards: suspected | FRAZIER, OEHHA-AREL, EPA-SARA, FRAZIER, HAZMAP, OEHHA-AREL |
| Respiratory toxicity hazards: suspected | NEME, EPA-HEN, HAZMAP, KLAA, LADO, LU, NEME, EPA-HEN, HAZMAP, NEME, OEHHA-CREL, RTECS, EPA-HEN, KLAA, LU, OEHHA-CREL, EPA-HEN, NEME, EPA-HEN, HAZMAP, KLAA, LU, NEME, OEHHA-CREL, ATSDR, EEC, EPA-HEN, HAZMAP, NEME, OEHHA-CREL, RTECS |
| Rhinitis - allergic - Strong | CHE Toxicant and Disease Database |
| Sarcoidosis - Limited | CHE Toxicant and Disease Database |
| Seizures - Limited | CHE Toxicant and Disease Database |
| Seizures - Strong | CHE Toxicant and Disease Database |
| Skin or sense organ toxicity hazards: suspected | KLAA, ATSDR, EPA-HEN, HAZMAP, LADO, RTECS, HAZMAP, KLAA, LADO, TIMB, HAZMAP, KLAA, RTECS, EEC, EEC, EPA-HEN, HAZMAP, KLAA, LADO, LU, RTECS |
| Skin ulceration - Strong | CHE Toxicant and Disease Database |
| Soft tissue sarcoma * - Limited | CHE Toxicant and Disease Database |
| Stomach cancer - Good | CHE Toxicant and Disease Database |
| Strong evidence in humans: reproductive system toxicity; Condition: abnormal sperm (morphology, motility, and sperm count); Organs/tissues affected: testes | CHE Toxicant and Disease Database |
| Testicular cancer - Limited | CHE Toxicant and Disease Database |
| The chemical is toxic to the kidneys in the occupational setting; this is a primary toxic effect of the chemical | National Library of Medicine HazMap |
| Thyroid disorders - Hypothyroidism - Limited | CHE Toxicant and Disease Database |
| Thyroid disorders - Hypothyroidism - Strong | CHE Toxicant and Disease Database |
| Toxic, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Toxics Release Inventory programs | EPA Toxic Release Inventory (1999) |
| Toxic; Toxic by inhalation and ingestion; Dangerous for the environment; Very toxic to aquatic organisms | European Union - Classification & Labelling |
| Toxic; Toxic by inhalation; Danger of cumulative effects; Dangerous for the environment; Very toxic to aquatic organisms | European Union - Classification & Labelling |
| Use is restricted in Canadian cosmetics | Canada's Cosmetic Ingredient Hotlist |
| Very persistent, very bioaccumulative, toxic under the EPA's Toxics Release Inventory | EPA Toxic Release Inventory (1999) |
| Very toxic; Very toxic by inhalation and if swallowed; Danger of cumulative effects; May cause long-term adverse effects in the aquatic environment | European Union - Classification & Labelling |
| Wilm's Tumor - Limited | CHE Toxicant and Disease Database |
