General heavy metal regulations : focus on the USA and the EU

Abstract

Urbanization and industrialization have resulted in increased levels of heavy metals in the biosphere from anthropogenic sources, at levels high enough to harm both the environment and human health. There are numerous historical examples of heavy metal pollution causing harm to human health. For this reason, many governments have enacted regulations to reduce and control the concentration of heavy metals to which their populations may be exposed to. This chapter provides an updated overview of heavy metal regulations in the United States of America and the European Union as both world leaders have laid down important regulations to limit the extent of heavy metal exposure to their citizens.