ABSTRACT
Metals and their alloys are unquestionably responsible for the transition of human civilizations from their existence in the ancient world, through the Bronze and Iron Ages, to their present modern society. Metals are classified into ferrous and nonferrous materials. Many metallic chemicals, micronutrients, and related compounds are essential for the proper functioning of biological systems wherever they are required in trace amounts. These same biologically relevant substances are toxic with acute or chronic exposure to supraphysiological doses. Chelation therapy is generally associated with the treatment of metal poisoning for the particular goal of decreasing the body burden of the chemicals that have been absorbed and distributed to physiological compartments. Dimercaprol is an effective chelating agent for heavy metal poisoning. Ethylenediaminetetraacetic Acid forms four or six bonds with metal ions and chelates both transition-metal and main-group ions. It is also used as an anticoagulant for stored blood in blood banks and in collection tubes.
