Bittersweet in more than one way. That rich, decadent dark chocolate you are devouring is bittersweet in more than one way. It may contain cadmium, a harmful heavy metal that's linked to kidney damage and osteoporosis. Multiple treats over time can add up to toxic levels. Think twice before your next bite - your body absorbs more than just the flavor.

Small and full of hot air. Gumballs may appear to be angels, but they might contain brominated vegetable oil (BVO) - a product banned from use in nearly every country for its potential links to neurological damage and hormone disruption. The same material inserted into flame retardants doesn't need to be in your candy. Sweet or scary? You decide.

A childhood favorite with an unsettling twist. Some lollipops, especially imported varieties, have been found to contain traces of lead - a neurotoxin with irreversible effects on brain development. No amount of lead exposure is safe, yet it lurks in the sweets that shaped your childhood. A moment on your tongue, a lifetime in your system.

You run on caffeine, your devices run on Lithium. As the key ingredient in rechargeable lithium-ion batteries, this element keeps your phone, laptop, and even electric vehicles powered up. Just like an energy drink fuels late-night study sessions, lithium fuels the modern world. Lightweight, powerful, and always recharging…just like you need to be.

One sip of this and BOOM! Uranium is the ultimate power source, used in nuclear reactors to generate massive amounts of energy. A single pellet of uranium fuel packs the same energy as a ton of coal. Unlike your average energy drink, this one keeps entire cities running. The real question: can you handle the power?

The lightest element, but don’t underestimate it. Hydrogen is pure, explosive energy. Used in fuel cells, it combines with oxygen to generate electricity, producing water and heat as a byproduct. Zero emissions, maximum power. It’s the energy drink of the future. Clean, efficient, and packing a punch.

Barium, despite being a highly reactive element, is used across many industries in different environments. After being administered through the mouth, barium is used as a contrast agent in computed tomography (CT) scans of specifically the gastrointestinal tract, consisting of the esophagus, stomach, and intestines, making the images appear brighter.

Gadolinium is a rare-earth element used in mMagnetic rResonance iImaging (MRI) as a contrast agent, effectively enhancing the visibility of organs during a scan and thus improving the quality of the resulting image. Being the most paramagnetic element, it connects with the magnetic field of the scanner after being injected into the bloodstream.

Iodine-based contrast agents are commonly used in medical imaging to enhance the visibility of blood vessels, tissues, and organs in X-rays and CT scans. These agents work by absorbing X-rays more effectively than surrounding tissues, creating a clear contrast between different structures.

In The Wizard of Oz (1939), elements of copper were incorporated into the Wicked Witch of the West’s costume, particularly in her green makeup. However, behind that brilliant hue of green lied a curse underneath. The makeup contained copper-based pigments, such as copper oxide, which contributed to its vibrant green hue. However, this makeup was toxic, leading to health risks for actress Margaret Hamilton during filming. On one occasion, during a special effects scene, the actress Margaret Hamilton's green makeup caught fire due to a pyrotechnic malfunction, leading to second-degree burns on her face and third-degree burns on her hand.

With a state of matter almost as cool as its effects, nitrogen is one of the most fundamental elements. Due to it being non-reactive under most conditions, it's often used in various industrial applications. One such application was in Terminator 2: Judgment Day (1991), liquid nitrogen plays a key role in one of the film’s most famous scenes - when the T-1000 (played by Robert Patrick) is frozen and subsequently shattered.

In the Transformers movies, aluminum powder was used as a key ingredient in pyrotechnic effects to create realistic explosions and fiery battle scenes. Aluminum powder is commonly used in Hollywood for its ability to enhance combustion and produce bright, intense flashes when ignited. In Michael Bay’s Transformers films, which are known for their large-scale practical effects, aluminum-based pyrotechnics helped create visually striking fireballs, sparks, and debris clouds that interacted seamlessly with CGI elements. The metal’s high reactivity with oxygen made it ideal for producing the dramatic, high-energy explosions that are a signature of the franchise.

Carbon, a tetravalent non-metal, is the main component of modern hockey sticks in the form of carbon fiber. It’s created by spinning polymers into thin strands that are then heated leaving them held together by carbon alone. Its lightweight nature allows for powerful shots and quicker handling of the puck.

Sulfur, one of the most reactive elements, is the key to vulcanized rubber which hockey pucks are made from. Vulcanization is a process that utilizes heat and sulfur to strengthen rubber by cross-linking molecules. This is used for its durability and ability to keep its shape on the ice.

Iron, a silver metal that's a strong conductor of heat, is used to create the stainless steel that makes up hockey skate blades. Steelmaking combines carbon with iron to strengthen it and create a more malleable metal. It's used for its corrosion resistance and ability to hold a sharp edge.

Your Favorite Sparkling Water Might Contain Harmful ‘Forever Chemicals’ - 2024. One of the most reactive elements on the periodic table. Cause for delayed breakdown of polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). Can cause liver damage and suppress the immune system. Reduce risk: drink filtered or bottled water. Read FDA publications for more information.

Arsenic Contamination in Food Has Been Happening a Lot Lately - Here’s What You Need to Know About it All - 2024. Inorganic arsenic is considered a human carcinogen. Upper limit of 10 parts per billion in rice. Do you know what’s in your food? Call the ATSDR Information Center at 1-800-232-4636.

Mercury is widespread in Chesapeake Bay headwaters fish – 2020. People should be told. Volatile element known to cause long-term effects of kidney damage and neurological damage. Check local state advisories for mercury content before consumption. Do you know where your food is coming from? Contact the Poison Control Center at 800-222-1222.

The core. With a half life of 24,100 years, plutonium-239 is a rapidly decaying isotope, releasing alpha, beta, and neutron particles. Plutonium’s critical mass is 10 kilograms, the core was 6.2 kilograms. A critical mass self-sustains a nuclear fission chain reaction, splitting into smaller atoms and releasing deadly radiation.

The tamper. The core itself was a subcritical mass. However, if two hemispheres of beryllium enshroud a core of plutonium, the neutrons released from the steady decay of the plutonium are reflected back into the core. This entrapment of neutrons causes the subcritical core to instantaneously go critical.

The screwdriver. The fate of everyone in the Los Alamos lab was balanced at the tip of a flathead screwdriver. Physicist Louis Sloutin decided to forgo the shims that stopped the tamper from closing. As he used the screwdriver to control the position of the top hemisphere, it slipped.

The Tintations are what hold the record together. Keeping the groove stabilized and the funk consistent. Tin uses a heat stabilizer to create the mold that ultimately shapes the record and prevents deterioration for the record so you can groove as long as the blood runs through you.

The Certified Diamonds bring you the infamous stylus needle used to play vinyl records. Entering your ears and traveling to your soul. The process transfers sound by precisely etching the tracing grooves of the record. The diamond stylus is created from an intense amount of heat and pressure, creating the hardest mineral. Thus providing warm, clear sounds that breathe life to any setting for many decades.

The Chlorotones are one of the founding Funk Fathers for PVC Records. PVC is also known as polyvinyl chloride and is the material which records are made from. Chloride combines its talents with ethylene under high temperatures to polymerize into PVC. Creating the physical disc that is the vinyl record.

James Andrew Harris is the first Black person to be credited with the discovery of an element. James Andrew Harris played a pivotal role in the discovery of Rutherfordium while working at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory. He was responsible for preparing targets used in experiments to identify new heavy elements, including Rutherfordium.

Although James Andrew Harris did not hold a PhD, his expertise in target preparation was essential to the discovery process. James Andrew Harris’ role involved designing and purifying the substances that were bombarded with heavy ions in the accelerator to produce new elements, including Dubnium.

As part of the Oak Ridge National Laboratory team, Clarice Phelps became the first Black woman to contribute to the discovery of a new element on the periodic table. 

She helped discover Tennessine by purifying the berkelium-249 isotope, a key component in its creation.

Phosphorus, the main core to strike the first ignition of the flame. The element consists of two forms, red and white. Red phosphorus is present once friction is applied to the element. Then it transforms into white phosphorus to initiate the combustion of the matchstick.

Oxygen, the oxidizing agent that releases oxygen gas once struck. It is one of the main elements that makes up about fifty percent of the entire head of the match. Resulting in chemically reacting with other elements, such as Sulfur, to create the flame within the matchstick.

Sulfur, the fuel to keep the flame vigorously bright and burning. It is one of the elements that chemically reacts with Oxygen to keep the fire alive. Allowing an easier process of burning down the entire stick into ashes.

Carbon black is the one of the most common pigments found within that class black ink. It is generally a safe pigment and generally gives you the darkest, truest black. Other elements to make up black could consist of Iron and Magnetite. Black ink is the most long-lasting amongst any pigment making it everlastingly reliable.

Iron is a mineral found in some red tattoo inks, mainly in the form of Iron Oxide. Iron is considered as one of the safer substances as opposed to the metals such as cadmium and mercury that are found in red inks which can cause allergic reactions. It can have longevity, but the color may fade as time passes.

Cobalt, also known as the pigment cobalt blue is a heavy metal that is part of that vivid blue pigment in blue tattoo ink. Some of these blues are defined as cobalt aluminum oxide and cobalt phthalocyanine. There is potential harm for cobalt blue ink as it may cause irritation. Some artists also argue it lacks longevity.

Aluminum adds toughness and heat resistance to porcelain, ensuring it withstands high-temperature firing without cracking or breaking. Found in the mineral kaolinite, aluminum oxide enhances porcelain’s hardness while maintaining its delicate appearance. This element’s critical role in porcelain chemistry is a perfect example of strength and beauty working together in harmony.

Silicon, the backbone of porcelain, forms strong yet lightweight structures when combined with oxygen. As the primary component of silica, it creates the glassy matrix that gives porcelain its signature smoothness and resilience. Without silicon, porcelain would lack its elegant translucency and remarkable strength, making this essential element truly indispensable in ceramics.

Oxygen binds the porcelain’s structure together, forming crucial compounds like silica (SiO₂) and alumina (Al₂O₃). As a key player in the ceramic process, it ensures durability and chemical stability. Oxygen is not just the element of life—it’s also the element of lasting artistry in fine porcelain, allowing it to endure generations of use and admiration.

Lead, known from antiquity for its abundance and workability, forms an excellent foundation for the casting of metal type. Readily castable as a result of its low melting point, it is also naturally malleable - a shortcoming that is countered by the addition of tin and antimony.

Tin, a malleable, silvery-white metal, is frequently alloyed with lead to improve the fluidity of the molten alloy. In the case of type metal, it also serves to provide additional hardness to the cast type - making it tough enough to withstand printing, but not brittle enough to crack under pressure.

Antimony, a lustrous silver metal, augments the hardness and fluidity of type metal and also serves a more vital purpose - resisting shrinkage. Antimony prevents the molten alloy from retreating as it cools, ensuring that the sharp corners of type are preserved and that the resultant impressions are crisp and legible.

Since ancient times, lead has been used to lighten and give the impression of clearer skin. Greek and Roman people have used this to elevate their beauty by coming closer to that pale white complexion which was the beauty standard of their times. Ancient Egyptians have also been shown to use lead as a pigment for eye makeup. Queen Elizabeth I even created her own cocktail of lead labeled Venetian ceruse. Little did they know that dermal contact with this element would cause worsening skin discoloration, hair loss, rotted teeth, and lead palsy.

Historically, cadmium was used as a pigment in lipstick, but the tradeoff of luscious lips was fatal. Ingestion of cadmium would start with flu-like symptoms, but would progress to brittle bones, reproductive failure, and, most commonly, cancer. Fun Fact: You could develop acute pulmonary edema (wet lung) within 24 hours of poisoning!

This liquid metal has its benefits in being able to treat syphilis and unfortunately as a laxative, mercury used to be widely used in both medicine and makeup. Though the more you use it, the more it accumulates in your body. Entering through your skin or inhaling the vapors, it gets absorbed into the bloodstream and binds to proteins in the body which inhibits the central nervous system. You may start with drowsiness or trouble breathing, but then that would turn into vomiting and tremors, then you'd lose yourself even before losing your life. Fun fact: Mercury poisoning is also the cause of Mad Hatter's Disease.

Found in the Glass Substrate, its role is to form silicon dioxide also called silica (SiO₂), the primary component of glass, which provides a smooth and transparent base for the mirror. The reason why it’s important is because Glass is necessary to hold and support the reflective metal layer while remaining durable and resistant to scratches.

The Reflective Layer, its role is that a thin layer of aluminum metal is often used as the reflective coating in modern mirrors. The reason why it’s Important is because Aluminum has a high reflectivity (up to 90% of visible light) and is more resistant to tarnishing than silver, making it a common choice.

Often used in mirrors for its corrosion resistance and durability. It provides a hard, protective layer over the reflective material, ensuring longevity and consistent performance in challenging environments. This layer helps increase the mirror’s lifespan by protecting the reflective metal from environmental damage.

OyOysters are renowned for their exceptionally high zinc content. This trace mineral is crucial for immune function, DNA synthesis, and cellular metabolism. Eating oysters helps meet daily zinc needs and supports overall health.sters are renowned for their exceptionally high zinc content. This trace mineral is crucial for immune function, DNA synthesis, and cellular metabolism. Regular consumption of oysters can significantly contribute to meeting daily zinc requirements, supporting overall health and vitality.

Clams are an excellent source of iron, a mineral essential for the formation of myoglobin and hemoglobin proteins responsible for oxygen transport in the body. Including clams in your diet can help prevent iron deficiency anemia and boost energy levels

Mussels are rich in selenium, an antioxidant mineral that plays a key role in DNA production, thyroid function, and immune defense. Incorporating mussels into your meals can aid in maintaining adequate selenium levels.

is the central element in the blood protein Hemoglobin. This blood appears red when oxygenated, and dark red when not oxygenated. Hemoglobin is found in red blood cells of many mammals, fish, amphibians, and reptiles.

Vanadium  is the central element in the  blood protein Vanabin. While this protein is still being researched as to if it carries oxygen throughout the body, it will appear yellow when oxygenated. Vanabin is found in the blood of sea squirts, cucumbers and some beetles.

Copper is the distinct element in the blood protein Haemocyanin. This blood appears blue when oxygenated, and clear when not oxygenated. Haemocyanin is found in the blood of octopi, squids, and some molluscs and crustaceans.

Arsenic is a metalloid and toxic heavy metal. Large amounts of the element found in soil can contaminate groundwater and decimate ecosystems. Fungi can use organic acids to turn arsenic into a soluble form for plant absorption after taking the element into their mycelium.

Lead is a dense but malleable heavy metal. Gasoline, old paint, and industrial manufacturing can pollute the soil with excessive lead. This poses a health risk for many, primarily children. Edible wood ear (Auricularia auricularia) and oyster (Pleurotus ostreatus) mushrooms are known for absorbing lead from the soil.

Cadmium is a toxic metal that bonds to organic matter. Cadmium is known to quickly bioaccumulate in crops and enter the food chain. Fungi are more likely to absorb high amounts of cadmium than other plants which has become an issue in mushrooms harvested for consumption.

Mercury-stabilized batteries represent the pinnacle of innovation in timekeeping, offering unmatched longevity and precision for those who demand unwavering reliability. Designed to eliminate leaks, failures, and inconsistencies, these advanced power sources ensure that your watch keeps ticking with flawless accuracy, no matter the conditions.

A seamless fusion of cutting-edge science and masterful craftsmanship, mercury batteries provide a steady, self-sustaining energy source, allowing you to focus on the moments that matter. Whether in the boardroom or on the battlefield, this technology guarantees that your watch will never quit before you do, delivering consistent performance, year after year, without compromise.

⚠ WARNING

Contains High-Purity Mercury. Prolonged exposure may cause tremors, cognitive decline, and irreversible organ damage. Keep your watch ticking and your health deteriorating.

A timepiece as enduring as history itself. Lead-based enamels and durable casings create a rich, flawless finish that resists wear and tarnish. Paired with a handcrafted strap treated for unmatched longevity, this is a watch designed to last for generations.

⚠ WARNING

Contains 100% Pure Lead. Prolonged exposure may cause memory loss, tremors, and irreversible nervous system damage. Keep out of reach of children (not that it will help).

Experience the future of timekeeping with radium-luminous dials. No need for winding or external light, this self-glowing innovation ensures effortless readability, day or night. Whether for the battlefield or the ballroom, a radium-infused watch is the mark of true sophistication.

⚠ WARNING

Contains Radium, a known radioactive substance. Prolonged exposure may cause bone decay, anemia, and radiation poisoning. The glow may fade, but the damage never will.

Everyone knows calcium! Not only does this mineral give your bones its hardness, it has an essential part with muscles moving and helps your nerves send messages! Calcium is important throughout most of your life, helping you reach your full potential height in childhood, and preventing osteoporosis in elderly years.

A fine line to keep in mind: trace amounts of manganese can assist the enzymes in your body with both bone density and even blood clotting. Be careful not to inhale this mineral though! Breathing in manganese can affect your central nervous system and cause instability, tremors, and muscle spasms.

Calcium gets the most praise for keeping your bones strong, but what about zinc? This 

heavy metal is essential to the human body being able to help bone regeneration, and necessary for bone homeostasis. In addition, zinc deficiency can be a reason for impaired bone growth, so incorporate 8-14 mg everyday!

Copper is a red malleable metal, used to create etching plates in Printmaking. Printmaker’s use copper because it is denser, and less brittle than alternative materials, it is also extremely durable which allows for many prints to be made.

Carbon plays a huge role in the creation of black ink, because of carbon black, a nanostructured material with a pure carbon content. The ink is used to transfer images from the plate to the product in Printmaking.

Chlorine is a strong oxidizing agent, which makes it a valuable element in the paper industry. Chlorine gives the paper a whitish appearance and helps remove lignin present in the wood fiber that causes the paper to turn yellow when it is exposed to sunlight.