Used for hardening lead in batteries, as a flame retardant, and in the production of some semiconductors. 

Inhaling antimony can cause eye irritation or a skin rash known as antimony spots. 

Long-term exposure can result in lung inflammation, chronic bronchitis and chronic emphysema.

A common element found in soil, water and air. Found in some paints, pesticides and batteries. It was once prominently used in treated wood for outdoor structures such as decks, sheds and picnic tables, though that application is no longer recommended. 

Arsenic is a known carcinogen.  Ingesting high levels can be fatal.

Exposure to lower levels can cause nausea, vomiting, decreased production of red and white blood cells, abnormal heart rhythm, damage to blood vessels and other serious health issues.

Skin contact with arsenic can cause redness and swelling. 

Used as a contrast agent in X-ray procedures and a pigment in fireworks, among other applications. 

Long-term exposure can cause gastrointestinal irritation, cardiovascular effects, kidney damage and respiratory problems.

Occurs naturally in mineral rocks, coal and soil. Used in aerospace components, sports equipment such as golf clubs and bicycle frames, X-ray equipment and some electronics. 

Acute exposure from inhalation can cause lung inflammation.

Chronic inhalation can cause chest pain, cough, shortness of breath, or noncancerous lesions in the lungs that can lead to scarring.

Studies suggest exposure may raise the risk of lung cancer.

Can be found in cellphone batteries, paint pigments, metal coating and some plastics. 

It’s also a byproduct of smelting other metals, burning fossil fuels, and the incineration of municipal waste.

The effects of acute exposure include lung irritation.
Chronic inhalation or oral exposure can lead to kidney disease. 

It is a probable human carcinogen. Some studies found lung cancer in workers exposed to cadmium in the air.

Typically found in two forms with drastically different health risks.

Chromium 6, or Hexavalent Chromium, a known human carcinogen, is most notably used as a durable, anti-corrosive coating (chrome) for automotive and aviation parts, as well as a coating to lumber products. Inhaling or ingesting trace amounts for a prolonged period has been linked to an increased risk of lung cancer.

Chromium 3, or trivalent chromium, is naturally found in soil, and is usually far less toxic. However, studies show wildfires can transform naturally occurring Chromium 3 into toxic Chromium 6. Soil testing typically doesn’t distinguish between the two forms.

Read more on Hexavalent Chromium here.

Naturally found throughout the environment. It is a common constituent in lithium-ion batteries and paint pigments. 

Acute exposure by inhalation can cause respiratory issues such as difficulty breathing, congestion, edema and lung hemorrhages, while oral ingestion can cause adverse effects in the blood and thyroid.

Chronic long-term exposure can cause more severe respiratory issues, cardiac effects, immunological effects and congestion of the liver and kidneys, among other problems.

A soft metal used in electrical wiring, plumbing, building materials and jewelry. An essential nutrient for humans and is found in many foods in small amounts. 

Short periods of excess exposure can cause gastrointestinal disturbance.

Longer-term exposure effects include liver and kidney damage, which is why the EPA monitors copper in drinking water. 

Inhaling copper can cause nose and throat irritation, metallic taste, dizziness and headaches.

Commonly found in car batteries, household electronics, ceramic pottery, plumbing fixtures and other applications. For many years, lead was used in gasoline and household paint. When released into the air, it can travel long distances before settling to the ground, where it typically sticks to soil particles. It can also move from soil into groundwater. 

If inhaled or ingested, lead can cause permanent brain damage in children as well as slowed development and behavioral issues. In adults, lead exposure has been linked to kidney issues, cardiovascular issues and reproductive problems. Pregnant women in particular should avoid lead, as exposure can harm a developing baby. 

There is no safe level of lead.

Historically used in thermometers and medical devices.This metal acts as a liquid at room temperature.

Mercury is a neurotoxin.

It can cause serious health issues such as tremors, insomnia, emotional changes, headaches, decreased mental function, kidney effects, respiratory failure and death, depending on the amount and form of exposure.

An essential dietary nutrient, it can be harmful when inhaled or ingested in higher levels. Often used in the production of cast iron and stainless steels as well as some paint pigments, biofuels and solar panels. 

Studies have shown that breathing high levels for a long time can cause lung problems.

A naturally occurring element found in water, soil and air. Used to make stainless steel and is often combined with other metals to form alloys used in medical devices, jewelry, coins, batteries and other applications.

Prolonged exposure has been linked to respiratory effects.

Animal studies have shown effects on the stomach, blood, liver, kidneys, immune system, reproduction and development. 

Nickel is a believed carcinogen.

A trace mineral needed in small amounts for good health. Found in products such as electronics, glass, plastics, pesticides, shampoos and rubber.

Exposure to high levels can result in brittle hair, deformed nails and neurological effects. 

Inhalation of vapors may also cause dizziness, fatigue, irritation of the mucous membranes and respiratory effects.

Most forms of selenium are not considered carcinogenic; however the EPA has determined that Selenium Sulfide is a probable carcinogen.

Often used in jewelry, silverware and electronic equipment. Low level exposure is considered common. 

Exposure to high levels in dust can cause respiratory issues, lung and throat irritation and stomach pain. Skin contact with silver compounds can also cause allergic reactions or turn some areas of the skin blue or gray.

Used in superconductors, infrared optical materials, photoelectric cells and gamma radiation detection equipment, among other applications. 

Exposure can lead to gastrointestinal issues, neurological symptoms such as tremors, seizures and coma, dermatological symptoms and possibly even death. 

There are many recorded cases of fatal thallium poisoning.

Occurs naturally in soil, air and water but can be released by the combustion of fossil fuels in facilities such as oil refineries and power plants. 

Acute exposure can lead to respiratory issues, skin and eye irritation, and gastrointestinal problems such as nausea and vomiting. 

Longer-term exposure to high levels can result in lung damage.

The EPA does not currently classify Vanadium as a carcinogen, but other health groups have said it could cause lung cancer based on evidence from animal trials.

An essential micronutrient for the human body. Found in batteries, paints and pigments and metal alloys, it can also be released from industrial activities such as coal burning, steel production and waste management. 

Inhaling large amounts of zinc or zinc dust can cause a short-term disease called metal-fume fever. 

Ingesting high levels of zinc can also lead to gastrointestinal issues or anemia and pancreatic damage, among other adverse outcomes.