Problem 1
What is a sulfhydryl group, and how does it interact biochemically with heavy metals? How does the interaction affect processes in the body?
Problem 2
What is a chelate? What principle underlies the usual cure for heavy-metal poisoning?
Problem 4
What are some important sources of airborne mercury?
Problem 5
Is the liquid or the vapor of mercury more toxic? Describe the mechanism by which mercury vapor affects the human body.
Problem 6
What is an amalgam? Give two examples and explain how they are used.
Problem 7
Explain how the chlor-alkali process led to the release of mercury in the environment.
Problem 9
Write the formulas for the methylmercury ion, for two of its common molecular forms, and for dimethylmercury. What is the principal source of human exposure to methylmercury?
Problem 11
What is meant by Minamata disease? Explain its symptoms and how it first arose.
Problem 12
List several uses for organic compounds of mercury. Which ones have been phased out?
Problem 14
Explain how lead can dissolve-e.g., in canned fruit juice-even though it is insoluble in mineral acids.
