Exposure, Toxicity, and Health Impacts of Potentially Toxic Metals

Dear Colleagues,

Toxic metals and microelements can pose a major threat to the health of the human population upon excessive exposure. Biological systems have learned to adapt to the presence of these elements through different mechanisms (immobilization or clearance processes), keeping their biological levels below safe threshold. However, anthropogenic activities have threatened this balance, and the most varied adverse effects have been imposed on populations, especially those in vulnerable situations. From subtle effects (intelligence impairment) caused by lead and manganese (Landrigan 1989; Menezes-Filho et al. 2011) to malformation and severe encephalopathy as those observed due to methylmercury exposure in Minamata (Japan), the establishment of causal association may take years, and measures to mitigate such exposure may never be implemented. This Special Issue of the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health (IJERPH) focuses on the current state of knowledge on the impacts of toxic metals and excessive exposure to micronutrients on human health, as well as risk assessment methods. Experimental studies with animal models and epidemiological studies focusing on general environmental, occupational, and diathetic exposure to those elements are welcome. New research papers, reviews, case reports, and conference papers are welcome to this issue. Papers dealing with new analytical approaches and quality assurance will also be considered.

Landrigan P.J. Toxicity of lead at low dose. Br. J. Ind. Med. 1989, 46, 593–596. https://doi.org/10.1136/oem.46.9.593.

Menezes-Filho, J.A.; Novaes, C.; Moreira, J.C.; Sarcinelli, P.N. and Mergler, D. Elevated manganese and cognitive performance in school-aged children and their mothers. Environ. Res. 2011, 111, 156–163. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envres.2010.09.006.

Prof. Dr. José Antônio Menezes Filho
Guest Editor

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