Environmental Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
compounds produces toxic ef ects which results in irritation and ulcer
of the alimentary canal and can cause anemia; Cr(III) compounds are
much less toxic and do not appear to cause these problems. h e most
common health problems in workers exposed to chromium involves
the respiratory tract. h ese health ef ects include irritation of the lin-
ing of the nose, runny nose, and breathing problems (asthma, cough,
shortness of breath, wheezing). Workers have also developed allergies
to chromium compounds, which can cause breathing dii culties and
skin rashes. Sperm damage and damage to the male reproductive sys-
tem have also been seen in laboratory animals exposed to Cr(VI). h e
International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) has determined
that Cr(VI) compounds are carcinogenic to humans. In workers, inha-
lation of Cr(VI) has been shown to cause lung cancer [43, 44]. Mixed
results have been found in studies of populations living in areas with
high levels of Cr(VI) in the drinking water [45]. In laboratory animals,
Cr(VI) compounds have been shown to cause tumors in the stomach,
intestinal tract, and lung.
h e toxic ef ects of lead can be observed when it enters the body through
breathing or swallowing. h e main target for lead toxicity is the nervous
system, both in adults and children. Long-term exposure of adults to lead
at work has resulted in decreased performance in some tests that measure
functions of the nervous system [46, 47]. Lead exposure may also cause
weakness in i ngers, wrists, or ankles. Lead exposure also causes small
increases in blood pressure, particularly in middle-aged and older people
[48, 49]. Lead exposure may also cause anemia. At high levels of exposure,
lead can severely damage the brain and kidneys in adults or children and
ultimately cause death. In pregnant women, high levels of exposure to lead
may cause miscarriage. High-level exposure in men can damage the organs
responsible for sperm production.
Inhaling large amounts of zinc (as zinc dust or fumes from smelting or
welding) can cause a specii c short-term disease called metal fume fever,
which is generally reversible once exposure to zinc ceases. However, very
little is known about the long-term ef ects of breathing zinc dust or fumes.
Ingesting high levels of zinc for several months may cause anemia, dam-
age to the pancreas, and decrease levels of high-density lipoprotein (HDL)
cholesterol. Skin irritation from exposure to these chemicals would prob-
ably occur in humans. Following inhalation of zinc oxide, and to a lesser
extent zinc metal and many other zinc compounds, the most commonly
reported ef ect is the development of “metal fume fever.” Metal fume fever
is characterized by chest pain, cough, dyspnea, reduced lung volumes, nau-
sea, chills, malaise, and leukocytosis.
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