Tag: Environmental hazards

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 EPA, short-term exposure to sulfur dioxide can harm the human respiratory system and make breathing difficult, especially for people with asthma. So, is sulfur dioxide bad for your body? The answer is a clear yes, with its severity depending on concentration and individual sensitivity.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, some types of blue-green algae, more accurately known as cyanobacteria, can produce toxins harmful to humans and animals. This makes it crucial for anyone enjoying freshwater bodies to understand the potential risks associated with these naturally occurring organisms, especially during algal blooms.

According to the EPA, hydrogen selenide is considered extremely toxic via inhalation, while sodium selenite is the most toxic when ingested orally. Selenium toxicity is a significant health concern, but the danger level depends heavily on the specific chemical form, the route of exposure, and the dosage. This is because selenium can exist in various oxidation states and compounds, each with different biological effects.