Question

Poisoning of which heavy metal can cause liver cirrhosis?

• A. Copper
• B. Lead
• C. Mercury
• D. Zinc

Hint:

Copper build up in the liver, as seen in Wilson's disease, damages liver cells and leads to cirrhosis.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

Step 1: Recall the link between heavy metals and the liver.
Cirrhosis is a condition where healthy liver tissue is replaced by scar tissue, so the liver slowly loses its normal function. Certain heavy metals can build up inside the liver over time and cause this kind of damage.

Step 2: Identify the metal linked to cirrhosis.
Copper is the metal most directly linked to liver cirrhosis through poisoning. In a genetic condition called Wilson's disease, the body cannot remove excess copper properly, so copper builds up in the liver and, later, in the brain and eyes. Over time, this copper overload damages liver cells and leads to cirrhosis.

Step 3: Check why the other metals are wrong.
Lead poisoning (option B) mainly affects the nervous system and blood, causing problems like anaemia, memory trouble, and abdominal pain, rather than being the classic cause of cirrhosis. Mercury poisoning (option C) mainly damages the nervous system and kidneys, as seen in Minamata disease, again not primarily the liver in the form of cirrhosis. Zinc excess (option D) mostly causes digestive upset and can lower copper levels in the body, but it is not known as a direct cause of cirrhosis.

Step 4: Final Answer.
Copper poisoning, especially as seen in Wilson's disease, is the heavy metal most linked to liver cirrhosis. \[ \boxed{\text{Copper}} \]