Heavy Metals Toxicity: Part I Common Toxic Metal Culprits {Pure Living}

Part I (don’t miss Part II and Part III of this series): Toxic heavy metals like arsenic, mercury, cadmium, aluminum and lead are common environmental contaminants. Learn where these toxicants lurk and how they impact health.

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Heavy metals are one type of toxins that contaminate water, food and air via industry, pollution, pesticides, emissions and exhaust. They can interfere with various processes in the body, so you must detoxify and clear heavy metals from your system to avoid damage. 

These pollutants can increase your risk of developing several health conditions. Elevated levels of heavy metals in the body can damage the liver, cardiovascular system, kidneys and brain. Infertility, diabetes, dementia, metabolic issues like thyroid disorders and some types of cancers have been associated with heavy metal exposure.

Some people are at an elevated risk of heavy metal toxicity:

• those who smoke
• those with jobs or hobbies which expose them to metals
• those living in older homes
• those living in areas with contaminated drinking water

Common Heavy Metals That Can Impact Health

Toxic metals like arsenic, mercury, cadmium, aluminum and lead are common environmental contaminants that can impact our health in many ways.

Acute toxicity may present with more obvious, severe symptoms like vomiting, difficulty breathing and impaired cognition, while long-term chronic build-up of these metals can cause more subtle symptoms like fatigue, digestive issues, depression and impaired metabolism.

Arsenic

Sources of Arsenic Exposure

We are exposed to arsenic through:

• consumption of conventionally raised poultry (via their feed)
• wood preservatives on treated wood
• coal combustion
• drinking water in some areas
• pesticides, insecticides & fungicides
• paints & pigments
• tobacco smoke
• some rice products
• some cosmetics
• seafood from contaminated waters

Health Impacts of Arsenic

Arsenic occurs in an inorganic and organic form, with inorganic arsenic compounds such as those found in water being highly toxic.

Initial signs of arsenic exposure often show up in the skin, with pigmentation changes, skin rashes and pre-cancerous lesions. With long-term exposure to arsenic, further adverse effects may develop.

Arsenic is a known carcinogen associated with liver, lung, skin, bladder and kidney cancer. It also has developmental and neurological impacts, contributing to headaches, mood changes, vertigo and weakness. Arsenic has also been associated with metabolic issues and may contribute to diabetes.

Lead

Sources of Lead Exposure

We are exposed to lead through:

• drinking water
• auto exhaust
• batteries
• cigarette smoke
• coal combustion & pollution
• hair dyes
• lead pipes
• cosmetics
• newsprint
• paints
• pesticides

Health Impacts of Lead

Lead toxicity is one of the more common forms of heavy metal toxicity, especially in children. Ingestion and inhalation of lead paint dust are common routes of exposure, as well as food stored in lead cans and contaminated water.

When the body is deficient in adequate nutrition, it may use toxic metals as stand-ins for essential nutrients. For example, calcium can be replaced by lead, which deposits in bone and can contribute to poor bone health and osteoporosis.  Lead accumulation in the blood is associated with increases in hypertension and cognitive and developmental issues in children. 

Mercury

Sources of Mercury Exposure

We are exposed to mercury through:

• dental amalgams
• coal combustion & pollution
• fish & seafood from polluted waters especially sharks, swordfish, king mackerel, tile fish, bass, walleye & pickerel

Health Impacts of Mercury

Mercury toxicity can arise through ingestion of mercury or mercury salts or by inhalation of mercury vapor. It often concentrates in the brain and kidneys and can also cross the placenta. 

Mercury competes with and displaces iron and copper from the active site of enzymes involved in energy production, which can have metabolic, neurologic, gastrointestinal and cardiovascular impacts. 

Cadmium

Sources of Cadmium Exposure

We are exposed to cadmium through:

• cigarettes and tobacco smoke
• industrial pollution
• auto exhaust
• batteries
• motor oil
• coffee & instant coffee
• pesticides, insecticides & fungicides
• paints & pigments
• metal coatings & solders (including canned food)
• contaminated tap water
• large ocean fish (tuna, cod, haddock, etc.) from contaminated waters

Health Impacts of Cadmium

As with lead, cadmium can also mimic the function of essential nutrients in the body when out of balance. Zinc can be replaced by cadmium, which often accumulates in the kidneys. Cadmium can also impact the nervous system, contributing to peripheral neuropathy.

In the body, cadmium can bind to red blood cells and become transported to the kidneys and liver. As it accumulates in the body, chronic cadmium exposure can result in decreased bone mineralization, decreased lung function and an increased risk of cancer.

Aluminum

We are exposed to aluminum through:

• aluminum foil
• teas
• auto exhaust
• cigarette smoke
• cookware
• cosmetics
• deodorants
• tap water
• pesticides, insecticides & fungicides
• pollution

Health Impacts of Aluminum

Aluminum seems to particularly harm the lungs and nervous system. Workers may develop lung issues from inhalation of aluminum dust.

The nervous system also appears to be a sensitive target for aluminum. When aluminum accumulates, it may replace magnesium which induces neurochemical changes and may contribute to dementia.

Check out part II of this series for my Simple Pure Whole strategies for protecting your health from heavy metals

AND 

part III to learn how you can test your heavy metal levels at home!

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