Which one among the following trace elements is not highly toxic ?

Which one among the following trace elements is not highly toxic ?

[amp_mcq option1=”Arsenic” option2=”Chromium” option3=”Copper” option4=”Mercury” correct=”option3″]

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UPSC Geoscientist – 2024
The question asks which trace element among the options is *not* highly toxic. While toxicity is dose-dependent for all substances, some trace elements are generally considered more acutely or cumulatively toxic than others, even at low concentrations.
– Arsenic (As) is a metalloid widely recognized as highly toxic and carcinogenic.
– Chromium (Cr) has both essential and toxic forms; Hexavalent chromium (Cr(VI)) is highly toxic and carcinogenic.
– Mercury (Hg) is a heavy metal that is highly toxic, particularly in its organic form (methylmercury), affecting the nervous system.
– Copper (Cu) is an essential trace element necessary for many biological processes. While excessive intake can cause toxicity, it is less likely to be classified as *highly toxic* compared to arsenic, mercury, and certain forms of chromium in common environmental exposures, as the body has mechanisms to regulate copper levels and it is required for life.
Essential trace elements like copper are required in small amounts, and deficiency or excess can lead to health problems. Non-essential trace elements like lead, cadmium, arsenic, and mercury are generally toxic even at low concentrations. Among the given options, copper stands out as being an essential nutrient, making it relatively less “highly toxic” in general contexts compared to the others which are primarily known for their toxicity.
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