Heavy metals, including mercury, lead and cadmium, occur naturally on earth, but they can be toxic to human health and the environment.

Mercury, lead and cadmium are all among the World Health Organization’s list of 10 chemicals of major public health concern.

These heavy metals are released and concentrated in the environment through a variety of human activities.

Mercury and lead are developmental neurotoxicants, particularly hazardous to young children and pregnant women.

Other toxic heavy metals include arsenic and chromium.

Heavy metals highlights
Chemicals & pollution action
Campaign
Chemicals & pollution action
Toolkits, manuals and guides
Chemicals & pollution action
Story
Tackling Mercury Pollution and Racial Discrimination jointly
Tackling Mercury Pollution and Racial Discrimination jointly
Chemicals & pollution action
Editorial
An interactive map showing the geographical distribution of the leal status of lead paint.
Lead paint law status interactive map
Chemicals & pollution action
Interactive
Contact

For inquiries on UNEP's work on lead or cadmium, contact lead-cadmiumchemicals@un.org

For inquiries on UNEP's work on mercury, contact metals@un.org