The influence of toxic elements on the human body
Влияние токсичных элементов на организм человека 11.02.2020

In small quantities, some heavy metals are necessary for human life. Among them are copper, zinc, manganese, iron, cobalt, and others. However, an increase in their content above the norm causes a toxic effect and poses a threat to health. The most dangerous of them are mercury, lead, cadmium, arsenic, fluorine, phenol, ammonia, hydrogen chloride.                                          

All of these substances have a significant impact on human health, and the severity of the impact depends on the concentration, frequency and time of exposure to the substance, as well as the state of the environment, age, gender and the state of the body of the person himself. Children, the sick, people working in hazardous working conditions, and smokers are more vulnerable.

All toxic substances are distinguished by the selectivity of their effects, some affect the development of diseases of the circulatory system, diseases of the nervous system and sensory organs, others cause diseases of the respiratory system and digestive system.

The main risk factors are physical inactivity, excess body weight, unbalanced nutrition, arterial hypertension, psycho-emotional stress, smoking, etc. They favor the occurrence and development of diseases and cause pathological changes in the body.

Toxic elements are present in trace quantities everywhere: in ground and surface waters, rocks, soils, atmospheric air, plants and animals. These substances enter the human body with food, water and air. Toxic substances can enter food products from raw materials and during technological processing in concentrations dangerous to humans only if the relevant technological instructions are violated. An increased amount of toxic elements may be in the area near industrial enterprises that pollute water and air with insufficiently purified industrial waste.

The main criterion for assessing the state of the external environment of a region is the health of the population living in a given territory. 50% of the level of health depends on individual lifestyle, 25% on environmental influences, 15% on heredity and 10% on the quality of medical care. This indicates that a large reserve in preserving human health lies in the organization of his lifestyle and relationship with the environment.

An important factor in the health and safety of citizens is greenery. Green spaces are a natural filter, purifying and humidifying the air. Plants also secrete green substances - phytoncides, which have a bactericidal effect and affect human tone. Plants planted near industrial enterprises are of particular importance. Many plants serve as a kind of indicator of various hazardous substances entering the air basin of cities. Some plants can absorb toxic substances.

According to the nature of occurrence and duration of the course, acute and chronic poisoning are distinguished. To prevent them, you need to pay special attention to hygiene and healthy eating. Wash your hands and toys more often, and wash your clothes more often. It is necessary to carry out wet cleaning with cleaning products more often, and, if possible, use ozonizers and humidifiers. Use a vacuum cleaner with fine filters. To remove accumulated toxins from the body, it is necessary to consume dairy products as often as possible; eat more vegetables, fruits and grain products. Then heavy metals will settle in the gastrointestinal tract and be eliminated from the body without being absorbed. Food should not be fatty. Vitamins and antioxidants are useful.

 It is necessary to promote a healthy lifestyle, especially among young people and women, which will improve the quality and life expectancy. A healthy lifestyle is promoted by a hygienic regime of work and rest, but a person’s bad habits interfere.

Specialist of LSGI Stepnogorsk city branch

Branch of the RSE at the PVC "National Center of Expertise"

in Akmola region

Ponomarenko O.V.