Heavy metals, including mercury, lead and cadmium, occur naturally on earth, but they can be toxic to human health and the environment.
Mercury, lead and cadmium are all among the World Health Organization’s list of 10 chemicals of major public health concern.
These heavy metals are released and concentrated in the environment through a variety of human activities.
Mercury and lead are developmental neurotoxicants, particularly hazardous to young children and pregnant women.
Other toxic heavy metals include arsenic and chromium.
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Detoxifying cosmetics and beauty ideals
Featured Publications
Lead paint law status interactive map
Contact
For inquiries on UNEP's work on lead or cadmium, contact lead-cadmiumchemicals@un.org
For inquiries on UNEP's work on mercury, contact metals@un.org
