(c) Can a metal be toxic as well as essential for a living being? Explain with example. 2
Answers
Explanation:
Metal toxicity1 can be caused by both metal ions, which are considered to be essential for humans, like iron and copper, as well as by non-essential metals, like cadmium, lead and mercury, which are not at all necessary for life but which, when introduced into the human environment
Living organisms require varying amounts of heavy metals. Iron, cobalt, copper, manganese, molybdenum, and zinc are required by humans. All metals are toxic at higher concentrations. Excessive levels can be damaging to the organism. Example:
Metals in an oxidation state abnormal to the body may also become toxic: chromium is an essential trace element, but chromium is a carcinogen. Toxicity is a function of solubility. Insoluble compounds as well as the metallic forms often exhibit negligible toxicity.