Table 1 Common uses and harmful effects of heavy metals [hazardous waste]Â on human health [23, 72]
Substance | Use | Harmful effect | MAL in potable watera (mg/L) |
|---|---|---|---|
Cadmium | Batteries, electroplating, TSP, SSP, tobacco, illegally brewed alcohol | Protein and sugar in urine; renal damage | 0.005 |
Lead | Paint, batteries, alloys, welding, older water pipes and joints | Nervous system and brain damage, lowered IQ, liver and kidney damage | 0.05 |
Mercury | Thermometers, fluorescent lamps and tube lights, thermostats, thermometers, medical equipment, batteries | Nervous system and brain damage, renal damage | 0.001 |
Hexavalent (VI)Â chromium | Steel manufacturing, chrome plating, magnetic tapes, dyes and paints, tanning of leather, textile industry, tobacco smoke | A carcinogen, kidney damage, skin diseases | 0.05 |
Arsenic | Insecticides, nematocides, wood preservative, alloys with copper and lead (car batteries), pesticides, volcanic ash | Cancers in lung, bladder, and skin; keratosis and dermatitis | 0.05 |