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Heavy Metal and Radioactive Pollution — Syllabus

Telangana Open School (TOSS) · Class 12 · Chemistry

What Heavy Metal and Radioactive Pollution covers in Telangana Open School (TOSS) Class 12 Chemistry: 4 topics, for the 2026-27 session.

45 questions30 flashcards5 concepts

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4 Topics · Telangana Open School (TOSS) Class 12 Chemistry · 2026-27

Topics in Heavy Metal and Radioactive Pollution

1

What is a Heavy Metal?

  • A heavy metal has a density greater than 5 g/cm³.
  • Examples include lead (Pb), mercury (Hg), cadmium (Cd), arsenic (As), and zinc (Zn).
  • Heavy metals with atomic number greater than 20 are considered heavy metals.
2

Sources of Heavy Metal Contamination

  • Natural sources: Volcanic eruptions, rock weathering, leaching into water bodies.
  • Anthropogenic sources: Mining, smelting, fossil fuel burning, industrial and domestic waste, pesticides, vehicle exhausts.
  • Soil absorbs heavy metals from water and industrial runoff.
3

Toxic Effects of Lead, Mercury, and Cadmium

  • Lead (Pb): Found in petrol (as tetraethyl lead), paints, pipes, batteries. Causes brain damage, anemia, and kidney issues. Accumulates in bones.
  • Mercury (Hg): Exists as metallic, inorganic, and organic (methylmercury). Methylmercury is most toxic. Causes Minamata disease — symptoms include vision loss, paralysis, mental retardation.
  • Cadmium (Cd): Resembles zinc chemically. Causes 'Itai-Itai' disease in Japan. Leads to kidney damage, bone pain, and high blood pressure.
4

Preventive and Control Measures for Heavy Metals

  • Public awareness about health hazards of heavy metals.
  • Proper industrial waste treatment and effluent control.
  • Government penalties for illegal dumping.

Key Concepts

Central concept: Environmental Pollution by Heavy Metals and Radioactive Substances

Heavy MetalsSources of Heavy Metal PollutionToxic Effects of Heavy MetalsBioaccumulation and BiomagnificationRadioactive PollutionEffects of Radiation on HumansPreventive and Control MeasuresNuclear Reactions and Waste

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Frequently Asked Questions

What are the important topics in Heavy Metal and Radioactive Pollution for Telangana Open School (TOSS) Class 12 Chemistry?
Key topics in Heavy Metal and Radioactive Pollution include What is a Heavy Metal?, Sources of Heavy Metal Contamination, Toxic Effects of Lead, Mercury, and Cadmium, Preventive and Control Measures for Heavy Metals. Study these first, then practise questions on each for the Telangana Open School (TOSS) Class 12 board exam.
How should I revise Heavy Metal and Radioactive Pollution for the Telangana Open School (TOSS) Class 12 board exam?
Learn the core ideas first, then work through the 45 practice questions on Heavy Metal and Radioactive Pollution. Revise definitions regularly and use flashcards for quick recall before the exam.

Sources & Official References

Content is aligned to the official syllabus. Refer to the board website for the latest curriculum.

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All Telangana Open School (TOSS) Class 12 Chemistry Syllabus

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