Cadmium--is there something to fear?

Cadmium (Cd, cadmium in Latin) is a heavy metal widely present in nature. Like Hg, Pb, and As, cadmium belongs to elements with an unknown physiopathologic role. The progress of civilization, urbanization, and industrialization may lead to significant risk of cadmium pollution in the natural environment. The authors draw attention to the likely causes and effects of environmental pollution with cadmium and its effects on human health. Environmental and occupational exposures are discussed. Strong correlations between cadmium dose, exposure time, tissue concentration, and clinical symptoms in humans are emphasized.

[Lead--is there something to be afraid of?]. / Olów--czy jest sie czego obawiac?

Lead (PB, latin name plumbum) is a heavy metal commonly found in nature. In the environment it is not biodegradable nor does it undergo dissociation. It can accumulate in the tissues of living organisms. Throughout the years the attitude towards lead has changed. Once widely used, currently considered a big threat to the health ofa human. The development of civilization and associated with it an increase of lead emission contributes to a major contamination of the natural Pb environment. The authors have focused attention on the causes and effects on the environmental contamination of lead on human health. Environmental and occupational dangers of lead exposition have been discussed. Strict interdependence between the dose and time of exposition, its concentration in tissues and the appearance of clinical symptoms among humans have been stressed. Additionally, rules of controlling lead concentration in natural environments and places of work with the aim of avoiding lead poisoning have been discussed.