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Inhalation Toxicity of Metal Particles and Vapors
Published in Jacob Loke, Pathophysiology and Treatment of Inhalation Injuries, 2020
Metallic elements are found in all living organisms, where they play a variety of roles. They may be structural elements, stabilizers of biological structures, components of control mechanisms (e.g., in nerves and muscles), and most importantly, catalysts or cofactors in enzymatic processes. Calcium, potassium, sodium, and magnesium are involved in maintaining the physiological milieu necessary for sustaining life. Some metals are therefore essential elements and their deficiency results in impairment of biological functions. Of equal importance are the so-called “essential trace elements.” About nine trace elements are essential for life (Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Cu, Zn, Mo, Se, I). Seven of these, all metals, are found in air. All essential trace metals are toxic in high enough doses. Thus, when present in excess, essential metal nutrients may become toxic. Similarly, some “toxic” metals may be essential nutrients when provided in low quantities.
Nutrients in Bamboo Shoots
Published in Nirmala Chongtham, Madho Singh Bisht, Bamboo Shoot, 2020
Nirmala Chongtham, Madho Singh Bisht
The role of trace metals in enzyme functions has been studied extensively in nutrition and biochemistry. Selenium, copper, zinc, iron and manganese are indispensable metals, for the activities of various anti-oxidant enzymes. Bamboo shoots are endowed with rich quantities of useful minerals such as selenium, iron, phosphorus, sodium, calcium, magnesium, zinc and iron.
Multiple Sclerosis
Published in Irun R. Cohen, Perspectives on Autoimmunity, 2020
We turn now to the question of trace metals. Zinc plays a major role in immune function, both as a component of many enzymes and certain hormones and growth factors and as a stabilizing agent for cell membranes.300 Zinc studies in MS have led to conflicting reports. It would appear that there is a marked increase in erythrocyte zinc, localized to the lipid-soluble fraction of the cell membrane, accompanied by a decrease in plasma α-macroglobulin-bound zinc.301 This change is not a consequence of altered levels of dietary intake. It may perhaps account in part for the altered electrophoretic mobility of these cells.289,290 It will be of interest to learn whether a similar change occurs in the plasma membrane of any specific T-lymphocyte subpopulation.
Reference intervals for trace elements in the general Danish population and their dependence on serum proteins
Published in Scandinavian Journal of Clinical and Laboratory Investigation, 2021
Louise H. Jørgensen, Camilla H. Sindahl, Lise Pedersen, Flemming Nielsen, Tina K. Jensen, Janne Tolstrup, Ola Ekholm, Philippe Grandjean
Analysis of trace metal concentrations in serum/plasma and whole blood is used clinically as well as in human biological monitoring, for example, in individual risk assessment population studies of subjects with possible environmental or occupational exposure [1,2]. Public awareness and changes in daily intake recommendations may affect average exposures and therefore require that reference intervals are updated. For essential trace elements, deficiency, as well as excess, can affect human health, while toxic elements are problematic when concentrations exceed safe limits. Analysis of zinc, copper, and selenium is common in the clinical setting, while toxic elements such as mercury, lead, and cadmium are of interest in the occupational setting, concerning child health and in suspected poisoning cases [2,3]. Additionally, smoking is a well-known source of cadmium exposure [4,5], thus it is relevant to consider cadmium content in connection with hazards from smoking habits.
Spermatologic characteristics and sperm motility alterations caused by short-term copper exposure in Brook Trout Salvelinus fontinalis
Published in Toxin Reviews, 2020
Filiz Kutluyer, Mehmet Kocabaş, Nadir Başçınar
Toxic trace metals can cause harmful effects to diversity and distribution of aquatic animals and ecosystem functions through releasing into aquatic environments via domestic, municipal, and industrial wastes, agriculture, and antifouling paints (De Oliveira-Filho et al. 2004, Tagliaferro et al. 2017). Copper is an essential trace mineral element (Wang et al. 2018) and has a well-known role on physiological functions, multiple enzymatic and biochemical reactions of organisms at certain levels. On the contrary, high concentrations of copper are caused detrimental effects on aquatic systems. Toxic effects of copper on non-target local aquatic life may exert in both the water column and the sediment (Kalantzi et al.2016). Copper discharges into water through mining and industries producing wire and cables, electronic devices, fungicides, wood preservatives, antifouling paints, aquaculture, fertilizer additives, mineralization by crops, food processing, and urban development (Bilandzic et al. 2012, Simonato et al.2016, Blewett et al.2017). The copper concentrations in water can raise up to 100 µg L−1 while concentrations in mining area can be above 100 mg L−1.
Metal emissions from e-cigarettes: a risk assessment analysis of a recently-published study
Published in Inhalation Toxicology, 2018
Konstantinos E. Farsalinos, Brad Rodu
Sources of exposure to trace metals, which are present at very small levels ubiquitously in the environment, include air, water, food, dietary supplements and tobacco in combusted and smokeless forms (Borgerding et al., 2012). In pharmaceuticals, metals may be present due to residual impurities resulting from elements intentionally added in the formation of the medication, from the manufacturing equipment, water or container closure system (U. S. Department of Health and Human Services, 2015). Trace amounts of cadmium, nickel and lead have also been detected in nicotine inhalers (Goniewicz et al., 2014). These metals are of high importance due to their toxicity and carcinogenicity. Additionally, it has been well established for decades that tobacco plants and products contain the metals examined in the current study (Chiba & Masironi, 1992). In fact, tobacco plants preferentially absorb trace metals such as aluminum, cadmium, manganese and nickel from the soil. Additionally, fertilizers, pesticides, other agricultural products, air and water pollutants may be additional sources (Borgerding et al., 2012). Considering the ambiguity of metals in the environment and the metallic structure of EC atomizers and coils, it’s not surprising that metals are detected in the EC liquids and aerosol. Therefore, an appropriate risk assessment analysis is crucial in identifying the potential health effects of EC use related to metal exposure.