Home & Work Environmental Exposure to Toxic Metals

Remember that toxic metals come from many sources in our environment.

We have little control over most of the exposure, after all we would have to leave the planet to escape the society we now live in to avoid contact with the potential toxins that harm the human body.

The following are some effects that toxic metals can have on humans and why we should give this subject some reasonable consideration,especially with contact in our homes and work environments.

DISEASES LINKED TOXIC METAL POISONING

Cardiovascular disease, Cancer, Congestive heart failure, Diabetes, hypertension, arthritis, congestive heart failure and, ischemic heart disease, chronic or recurrent infections- bacterial, fungal, viral and parasitic associated with suppression of immune function.

Factors Enhancing Metal Toxicity

Multiple metal exposure

Fluoride & fluorosilicates

Chemical exposure

Multiple medications

Trans fatty acids

Poor diet

Sedentary lifestyle

Trace mineral or vitamin deficiencies

Aging

Chemicals in face make-up and other cosmetics have been proven to cause Hypertension!

Many of us are unaware of the dangers and the impact on our health that some chemicals in cosmetics, personal care products and cleaning agents pose.

The accumulation of heavy metals present in those chemicals like mercury, lead, arsenic, cadmium, aluminium and a range of others, occur because the body cannot metabolize them. This toxic store soon leads to poisoning of systems and cause diseases like secondary hypertension.

Jamesina's high blood pressure information website has some very good detailed information on hypertension and the toxins that can be found in cosmetics.

At Risk Occupations

Building and Maintenance Trades

Dental Office

Plumbers-Electrical Workers-Carpenters

Auto Mechanics-Machinists

Printers

Air Conditioning and Heating

Chemical Workers-Painters

Beauticians-Nail Technicians

Welders & Metal Workers

Miners-Salvage & Recycler Workers

Electronics Workers

Pest Exterminators-Fertilizer Plants

Toll Booth Workers

Living near

Electrical generating plants

Airports

Chemical Plants

Smelting Plants

Neighborhoods with high vehicle travel

Old homes with lead paint

Heavy Metal Toxins a Danger in Homes

Washington Post Saturday, January 20, 2007; 12:00 AM SATURDAY, Jan. 20 (HealthDay News) --

Exposure to heavy metals -- arsenic, lead and mercury -- can occur in the home through common items such as glazed pottery, herbal supplements, food, and garden pesticides/herbicides, notes an article in the January issue of the Mayo Clinic Health Letter.

Potential household sources of lead include: old painted surfaces; tableware such as leaded crystal, pewter and some glazed pottery;

Fumes when soldering stained glass projects; and pottery glazes with white or yellow finishes. Dietary supplements, especially those from China, can also be a source of lead exposure.

Some jewelry from China may be made from lead. Certain kinds of fish or shellfish may contain high levels of mercury, including shark, swordfish, tuna, pike, walleye, bass, and Atlantic salmon.

While concerns have been raised about mercury in dental fillings, no firm link has been established between metal dental fillings and changes in the central nervous system, the article said.

Some garden herbicides and pesticides contain arsenic. People who use these products should always read and follow instructions on the labels.

Until recently, arsenic was used in pressure-treated lumber. If you're working with older, treated lumber, wear gloves and a dust mask and do your work outdoors.

There is no government oversight on what's in homeopathic, herbal or complementary health products, and it's possible that they could contain heavy metals.

Limited exposure to heavy metals isn't likely to cause any harm to your health, the article said. Some general symptoms of heavy metal toxicity include hearing loss, impaired concentration, personality changes, and loss of feeling, especially in the fingertips.

People who are concerned about exposure to heavy metals should talk to their doctor. Blood tests and other methods can be used to determine if a person has toxic levels of heavy metals.