The Heavy Elements: Chemistry, Environmental Impact and Health Effects

This text provides a broad survey of the ten heavier elements of the p-block, which have a number of features in common as well as displaying periodic trends. Full comprehension of the chemistry of the elements is necessary before complete understanding of environmental and health effects is possible. In many texts, however, basic chemistry is avoided as too complex or uninteresting. The author's approach in this case is to use the disciplines of health and environmental science to enhance understanding of the chemistry and to provide students with an integrated approach to the influence of the elements on the world. Information is provided on concentrations, sources and speciation of the heavy elements and their effects on the health of human beings. The text is intended to stimulate students to investigate further aspects of the heavy elements, and contribute to this young but rapidly growing field.