Transition metals in health and disease

Understanding Bioanalytical Chemistry Principles and applications Victor A. Gault and Neville H. McClenaghan 2009 John Wiley Sons, Ltd 

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Transition metals play important roles in health and disease and intake of larger amounts than in the normal diet can result in the signs/symptoms of poisoning. 

Technetium and other transition metals can be lifesavers, but other metals in this part of the periodic table can threaten human health. Mercury, cadmium, and nickel are some of the transition metals that can cause problems ranging from skin allergies to toxic poisoning. Some people have also been concerned about the health risks of a mercury-containing compound in vaccines, the injections given to prevent diseases such as the flu. However, there is no evidence that this compound is unsafe, according to most medical experts. 

Dominici F, Peng RD, Bell ML et al (2006) Fine particulate air pollution and hospital admission for cardiovascular and respiratory diseases. JAMA 295 1127-1134 Dreher KL, Jaskot RH, Lehmann JR et al (1997) Soluble transition metals mediate residual oil fly ash induced acute lung injury. J Toxicol Environ Health 50 285-305 Dye JA, Lehmann JR, McGee JK et al (2001) Acute pulmonary toxicity of particulate matter filter extracts in rats coherence with epidemiologic studies in Utah Valley residents. Environ Health Perspect 109(Suppl 3) 395-403... 

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