Heav y me tals 487
Heavy Metals
Heavy metals such as arsenic, mercury, cadmium, uranium, and lead are
harmful to people even in very small amounts (see page 337). Because many
metals are found together at mine sites, it is often hard to know which metal
may be causing health problems.
If you know what metals are likely to be found in your area and the health
effects of these metals, this will help you know if you have heavy metal
poisoning. Some miners demand testing from the mine operator to know what
heavy metals they are exposed to, and training about ways to reduce harm.
Mercury is mined on its own and is also used to separate gold from ore.
Lead is often found with copper, silver and zinc.
Copper is found with silver and zinc.
Arsenic is often found with gold, copper, and zinc.
Cadmium is found with silver, copper, and zinc.
important: If you are exposed to heavy metals day after day, medicine will
not stop the poisoning. The only way to stop the poisoning is to stop being
exposed. If you have heavy metal poisoning, it is likely that others in your
community do as well.
Your health
problems
seem to be
caused by
mercury.
Do you work
in a factory
or mine?
No. But my
husband does.
A Community Guide to Environmental Health 2012