Four heavy metals (cadmium, mercury, lead and chromium) are all toxic to the kidneys. Each causes problems in the tubules, but by slightly different means.

• inhibits the functions of the mitochondria, making cells unable to reabsorb substances like they are supposed to

• also  a major problem in damage to the brain, especially in young children

Sources: paints, gasoline (except unleaded), batteries, pipes soldered with lead, industrial plants

More about Lead

• kidneys concentrate mercury

• reacts with other proteins and enzymes in the kidney cells and can eventually kill them

• can also damage the central nervous system.

• accumulates in food chains. 

Sources: coal burning, manufacturing processes

More about Mercury

• damages kidney tubules (also causes anemia and bone and mineral loss)

• reacts with proteins and accumulates in kidney

• substitutes for zinc in enzymes and changes enzyme action

Sources: Some soils just naturally have high levels of cadmium; quarries, mines; plastics, batteries, rubber goods

More about Cadmium

• reabsorbed by the tubule cells and becomes very concentrated

• interferes with energy exchange and can become a corrosive acid

Sources: metal finishing processes, burning of fossil fuels, wood preservatives

More about Chromium