Which heavy metals are noted for causing toxic pollution alongside mercury?

The correct choice identifies lead, cadmium, and chromium as heavy metals that, like mercury, contribute to toxic pollution and pose significant risks to both environmental health and human health. These metals are known for their harmful effects, including neurotoxicity, carcinogenicity, and disruption of biological processes.

Lead, for instance, is widely recognized for its detrimental impact on the nervous system, particularly in children, and has been linked to cognitive deficits and behavioral issues. Cadmium is known for its toxic effects on the kidneys and bones, often accumulating in living organisms and leading to long-term environmental contamination. Chromium, particularly in its hexavalent form, is hazardous and associated with respiratory problems and increased cancer risk when inhaled or ingested.

These metals can enter the environment through various industrial processes, mining operations, and improper disposal of electronic waste, leading to soil and water contamination. Their persistence in the environment and ability to bioaccumulate in food chains heighten their ecological and health concerns, similar to mercury.