People who inhale metals in high concentrations can suffer severe damage of the respiratory tract from bronchitis and, in severe cases, pulmonary edema, where fluid fills the lungs. Fatalities can occur. They can ingest metals when there are leaks in containers and pipes containing beverages. Acidic drinks can dissolve metals such as antimony, cadmium, tin and zinc from the enamel in pots, metallic cans and solderings in soft drink or soda machines. Cases of mercury and lead ingestion have occurred.
Toxic metals are of concern in areas where water bodies receive heavy concentrations of acid rain.
The increased acidity makes the metals more soluble in water and, as a result, they are consumed in drinking water or are ingested by aquatic life, which is then eaten by humans. Some of the metals associated with the acid rain problem are zinc, cadmium, lead and aluminium. Mercury from industrial waste and other uses creates a dangerous health hazard for people. The methyl mercury accumulated in the brains of people who ate the contaminated fish and caused irreversible damage to the central nervous system. A number of children with severe cerebral palsy-like brain damage were born to exposed mothers.