Copper (Pb) Can Cause Long-Term Health Issues

Literature Research Paper
Exposure to Mercury (Hg), Copper (Cu) and Lead (Pb) can cause long term health issues. Although, some of the elements may are useful in a rapid growing society they still pose a threat to public health as well as the ecosystem that pertain to wildlife. This research paper was conducted to further explain how these three metals Mercury (Hg), Copper (Cu) and Lead (Pb) have caused public health problems amongst the population while still being used for the greater good of a rising economy. Mercury has countless uses and is a very important element, “named after the planet Mercury. Mercury's chemical symbol comes from the Greek word hydrargyrum, which means "liquid silver."”(Gagnon). On the periodic table its atomic

On the periodic table its atomic number 29 and its symbol is represented by symbol (initials) Cu. Copper is used as building material. Copper, “is also the oldest metal known to man and was first discovered and used about 10,000 years ago” (CDA). In today’s world with a growing economy one may realize that electricity is being used continuously. Therefore, high amounts of copper is used especially in the electricity industry for wires and at construction sites. Many Americans wear jewelry such as rings, watches, bracelets and necklaces that is made of copper. The unique thing about copper is it’s resistant to corrosion due to moisture and one does not have to worry about the metal changing colors. On the other hand everything that looks good is not always good. Although copper seems harmless copper can be detrimental to one’s health. Copper can enter the body through the skin or by simply drinking the water that contain it, “Long-term exposure to copper can cause irritation of the nose, mouth and eyes and it causes headaches, stomachaches, dizziness, vomiting and diarrhea. Intentionally high uptakes of copper may cause liver and kidney damage and even death” (BV). Individuals that work in coal mines or in plants were copper is being processed are at a higher risk of being