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Effects of Exposure to Mercury and Arsenic. Custom Effects of Exposure to Mercury and Arsenic Essay Writing Service || Effects of Exposure to Mercury and Arsenic Essay samples, help
The effects of mercury and arsenic toxicity can be contrasted and distinguished by observation of the constellation of symptoms which are idiosyncratic even though they are both heavy metals. Mercury has the zero valent state Hg0 and the reduced form in the body Hg2+ while arsenic exists in the zero, tri- and penta-valent states As0, As3+ and As5+ respectively (Lauwerys, 1983).
Mercury has a predilection for the central nervous system and especially the brain, in the body mercury is in the form of methyl mercury (CH3-Hg) and combines with the sulfhydryl group (-SH) of cysteine. It forms a complex which resembles methionine and gets transported into the brain using the methionine transporter (molecular mimicry).
The elemental arsenic (As
Symptoms of mercury toxicity:
- In the central nervous system - causes tremors, hyper excitability and decreased nerve conduction.
- Pulmonary system - dyspnea, bronchitis and pneumonitis.. Mercury is reputed to have caused “the madhatters disease”, the Minamata disease and acrodynia which presented with personality changes, insomnia, irritability, apathy, photophobia with feet becoming cold, moist, painful and swollen (Lauwerys, 1983).
Symptoms of arsenic toxicity:
I. Peripheral vascular disturbances due to decreased production of white blood cells and red blood cells are damage to blood vessels. The disturbed erythropoiesis causes anemia.
II. Hepatomegaly.
III. Peripheral neuropathy(sensory and motor) - auditory deficits.
IV. Anorexia.
V. Diarrhea.
VI. Arrhythmia.
Effects of Exposure to Mercury and Arsenic. Custom Effects of Exposure to Mercury and Arsenic Essay Writing Service || Effects of Exposure to Mercury and Arsenic Essay samples, help
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