Metal toxicity or
metal poisoning is the
toxic effect of certain
metals in certain forms and doses on
life. Some metals are toxic when they form
poisonous soluble compounds. Certain metals have no biological role, i.e. are not essential minerals, or are toxic when in a certain form. In the case of
lead, any measurable amount may have negative health effects. Often
heavy metals are thought as synonymous, but lighter metals may also be toxic in certain circumstances, such as
beryllium and
lithium. Not all heavy metals are particularly toxic, and some are essential, such as
iron. The definition may also include
trace elements when considered in abnormally high, toxic doses. An option for treatment of metal poisoning may be
chelation therapy, which is a technique which involves the administration of
chelation agents to remove metals from the body.