What are heavy metals associated with when present in large quantities?

Heavy metals are elements with high atomic weights that can be toxic to humans and the environment when they accumulate in significant amounts. When these metals, such as lead, mercury, cadmium, and arsenic, are present in large quantities, they can lead to a range of harmful health effects.

For humans, exposure to heavy metals can result in serious health issues, including neurological damage, kidney dysfunction, respiratory problems, and cancers. Children are particularly vulnerable, as exposure during critical developmental stages can lead to long-term cognitive impairments and developmental delays.

Heavy metals can enter the human body through various pathways, including ingestion of contaminated food and water, inhalation of contaminated air, and through skin contact. The accumulation of these metals in the body can have cumulative effects, making their management and regulation crucial for public health.

Other choices like increased economic growth, improvements in environmental policy, and enhanced agricultural productivity do not correlate with the presence of heavy metals. In fact, economic growth can sometimes lead to increased pollution, including heavy metal contamination, due to industrial activities. Improvements in environmental policy are often a response to the problems posed by pollutants like heavy metals, rather than an association with their presence. Similarly, while there may be specific practices that enhance agricultural productivity, excessive