Acid precipitation — effects on trace elements and human health

Abstract

Environmental pollution by acid precipitation increases the solubilization and mobilization of toxic metals. Through the food chain, this may alter the intake of toxic and essential elements in man. Potential adverse health effects could follow after increased human exposure. For the general population, the exposure pattern and health effects caused by aluminium, cadmium, lead and mercury are of particular concern. Although there are several indications that the exposure to toxic elements (e.g. aluminium, cadmium, lead and methylmercury), as well as the intake of essential elements (e.g. selenium), may be affected by acid precipitation, there is presently no firm evidence of adverse health effects in man. However, the present data clearly indicate that the safety margins are small. Thus, the ongoing acidification in many areas must be stopped before such effects become evident. The effects on trace element status and human health by acid precipitation were discussed at the ISTERH (International Society for Trace Element Research in Humans) Conference in Stockholm, May, 1992. The main findings are briefly summarized here.