(1. Northwest Institute for Non-ferrous Metal Research, Xi’an 710016, China) (2. Xi’an University of Architecture and Technology, Xi’an 710055, China) (3. University of Florida, Gainesville 32611, USA) (4. Arizona State University, Tempe 85281,USA）
Metal elements are closely related to human life. The applications of metals promote the development of human life, and also bring some side effects to our human body. In our daily life, some metal elements are essential elements for the human body, but others are not. The intake of nonessential elements, especially some heavy metal elements which are often toxic to the human body, may cause diseases or even carcinogenesis. While, the broken balance of essential elements (missing, excessive) also have adverse effects on human health. In this study, the effects of 13 metal elements, including lead, mercury, cadmium, chromium, aluminum, copper, nickel, zinc, iron, cobalt, titanium, barium, manganese, on the environment and human health are reported. Furthermore, the toxic mechanism of metal elements, such as stimulating oxidative stress of cells, inhibiting DNA expression, inducing mutations, and leading to the generation and reproduction of cancer cells, are further expounded. The aim is to elucidate the relationship between metal elements and human health, and strengthen the human self-defense awareness on metal elements.