Transition metals mercury 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. 

Traditionally, inorganic chemistry has been a great contributor to our environmental problems. Historically problems of this type arose long before the current environmental crisis. Most often inorganic pollution results from the presence and concentration of a specific element rather than from the particular molecule in which the element is foimd in nature. Mercury poisoning and itai itai disease lead and its multiple toxic effects, or any of the problems associated with high concentrations of certain transition metals all relate to the specific element. 

---