Category: Toxicology

In stark contrast to its highly toxic counterpart, hexavalent chromium, trivalent chromium is an essential trace mineral required by the human body for normal metabolic function. This critical distinction means that while one form poses significant health risks, the other is fundamental for processing fats and sugars when consumed within normal dietary levels.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), excessive intake of nitrites under conditions that lead to endogenous nitrosation is considered a probable carcinogen. Understanding the dual role of nitrites in the body—as both a beneficial precursor to nitric oxide and a potential source of harmful nitrosamines—is crucial for making informed dietary decisions.

Raw apricot kernels contain a compound called amygdalin, which the body can convert into cyanide. This means that when you swallow an apricot seed—the kernel inside the hard pit—you expose your body to a potentially dangerous substance, with serious health consequences depending on the amount ingested.

The tobacco plant belongs to the nightshade family, known for many toxic members. A critical health warning is required because you absolutely cannot eat green tobacco, as it contains potent, harmful nicotine that can cause severe poisoning.

In a 2015 article for *The New Yorker*, Jon Krakauer revealed that the seeds of the wild potato plant, which had been a food source for McCandless, were a contributing factor to his death due to a previously unrecognized toxin. This research finally provided a definitive answer to the question: what did Chris McCandless eat that was poisonous?.

According to the World Health Organization, there is no known safe level of lead exposure, yet trace amounts of this toxic metal are sometimes detected in food products. The question, **why is lead allowed in food**, is complex, rooted not in intentional additives but in the pervasive environmental contamination from historical and ongoing industrial activities.

According to the CDC, most exposures to chlorine occur by inhalation. This highly reactive chemical can also enter the body through skin absorption and accidental ingestion, with routes and health effects varying based on the concentration and form. Understanding how does chlorine enter the body is essential for preventing both minor irritations and severe chemical poisoning incidents.

While arsenic is a natural component of the Earth's crust, it is highly toxic in its inorganic form. When it comes to the safety of cassava, the question of "Is cassava high in arsenic?" is more complex than a simple yes or no, depending largely on cultivation conditions and processing methods.

According to extensive research, the trace mineral selenium has a strong affinity for mercury, a potent neurotoxin. However, the idea that selenium can completely cancel out mercury is a misconception; rather, selenium mitigates mercury's toxicity through a complex biochemical process.

According to the CDC, exposure to excessive nitrate levels can lead to adverse health effects, most notably acute methemoglobinemia. This article explores the question, "What does calcium nitrate do to your body?" by detailing the risks associated with exposure and the specific health issues that can arise from its toxic components.