Bismuth toxicity refers to health damage caused by excessive intake of elemental bismuth or prolonged exposure to bismuth compounds. Bismuth is a heavy metal that is relatively rare in nature and is usually found in some ores. While bismuth compounds are therapeutic in some medical applications, excessive intake or prolonged exposure to elemental bismuth may have adverse effects on human health.

Specific manifestations of bismuth toxicity include a number of areas:

1. Digestive system: Bismuth ingestion may lead to gastrointestinal mucosal damage and inflammatory response with symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain and diarrhoea. Long-term exposure may cause gastritis or enteritis and other digestive diseases.
2. Nervous system: Bismuth may have a toxic effect on nerve cells, leading to blockage of neurotransmitter transmission, which may lead to headache, dizziness, ataxia and other symptoms, and in serious cases, may even lead to coma or death.
3. Blood system: Bismuth may interfere with the production and maturation of red blood cells, leading to anaemia or other abnormal haematological parameters.
4. Renal function: Bismuth enters the kidneys through blood circulation and may have direct toxic effects on renal tubular epithelial cells, leading to renal tubular damage and impairment of renal function.
5. Other symptoms: metabolic acidosis may also occur, manifested by symptoms such as deep and loud breathing, ketone odour in expiration, drowsiness, and blurred consciousness.

It is important to note that although bismuth compounds are therapeutic in some medical applications, they must be used under medical supervision with strict adherence to dosage and administration. In cases where bismuth poisoning is suspected, immediate medical attention should be sought for relevant examinations and appropriate treatment. Also, avoid prolonged exposure to or ingestion of bismuth-containing substances to minimise the risk of bismuth toxicity.

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