Heavy Metals Activity Mechanisms at Cellular Level and Possible Action on Childrens Bodies.

Different natural and artificial sources of pollution (manufacturing, metallurgy, mining, constructions, and incinerators) can contaminate the environ ment with heavy metals. If natural sources contribute to environmental pollution only to a little extent, artificial ones, which result from different human activities, contribute decisively to the pollution of the environment. Recently, interest in heavy metals (Pb, Hg, Cu, Zn, Cd, Sn, Ni, Cr, Mn, Se, As) has increased as they contaminate the environment and severely affect human and animal health. This paper presents some theoretical toxicity aspects of three elements (cadmium, lead, arsenic) and possible additive or synergistic action in human bodies, especially in children. Evaluating these actions is essential for risk assessment and management of heavy metals as single or mixture environment pollutants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]