Chapter 18, Problem 18.104QP

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

The effect of mercury intake to human body should be explained when the stomach contains nitric acid instead of hydrochloric acid.

Concept Introduction:

One of the major issues facing the by the modern world is heavy metal poisoning.  Heavy metals such as mercury, lead, arsenic etc... are naturally occurring metals.  The quantity of these metals in the environment is increased due to various human activities.

Combustion of coal, cement manufacture, textile industry, paint industry etc... are the various man made source of heavy metals.

Among the heavy metals mercury is one of the dangerous metals.  Mercury can be entered into human body through food cycle or by inhaling as mercury vapour.  Intake of elemental mercury will not create much health issues.  But mercury in the form of mercurous and mercuric ion will enter to the human body and creates various health issues.  Memory lose, kidney problems and muscle weakness are the major health issues of mercury poisoning.  When taken in excess, it can even lead to death.