Reflections and prospects on the health risks posed by heavy metals and their new materials
10.3760/cma.j.cn121094-20240903-00413
- VernacularTitle:重金属及其新材料对健康风险的思考和展望
- Author:
Lili LIU
1
;
Daochuan LI
;
Xiaojing MENG
Author Information
1. 广东省职业病防治院毒理实验所，广州 510300
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- Keywords:
Occupational population;
Heavy metal;
Rare earth element;
Lithium battery material;
Occupational health risk
- From:
Chinese Journal of Industrial Hygiene and Occupational Diseases
2025;43(10):770-772
- CountryChina
- Language:Chinese
-
Abstract:
Occupational heavy metal exposure has become a critical issue in China's high-quality economic development within the field of occupational health. Current occupational exposure now extends beyond traditional contaminants like lead and mercury to include emerging materials such as rare earth elements, forming a dual pollution pattern that combines both conventional and novel pollutants. These substances can damage multiple bodily systems including the nervous and respiratory systems, imposing significant disease burdens on working populations. This paper examines the mechanisms of traditional heavy metals' toxicity, highlighting their distinct indirect neurotoxic effects compared to previous understanding. It analyzes exposure pathways and multi-system toxicological effects of rare earth elements, clarifying current gaps in their toxicology research and standardization efforts while identifying future research directions. The study aims to provide theoretical references for improving occupational heavy metal exposure prevention systems, thereby laying the foundation for safeguarding workers' health and addressing new challenges in modern occupational health.
