Heavy metal toxicity is more prevalent today than in the past because most of these metals are present in things we come in contact with everyday as opposed to years ago when manufacturing with these substances wasn’t as common and pollution wasn’t as rampant.  Metals such as aluminum, mercury, cadmium, arsenic, lead, and tin are the most common heavy metals that people are exposed to today.

Some Health Authorities estimate that over ninety percent of all chronic diseases can be traced back to environmental pollution.  Some of the ways that these heavy metals enter our system are through the air, through food and the utensils we use to eat the food, cleaning products, toys, pesticides, cookware, burning fuel, vaccinations and even dental work.

One of the most damaging heavy metals is arsenic. Arsenic is used in manufacturing in the process of smelting, refining, and galvanizing.  It is also used in pesticides, wood preservatives, antibiotics, animal feed and insecticides. Throughout history arsenic has been associated with suicide and homicide.  Exposure to too much arsenic can lead to nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, muscle cramps, anorexia and a burning of the mouth and throat area.  Direct skin contact may result in dermatitis, skin lesions and skin irritation.  There is an increased rate of cancer in people who have been exposed to high levels of arsenic.  When arsenic is inhaled or ingested, it can lead to cancers of the skin, liver, gastrointestinal and respiratory tracts. High levels of arsenic in the system can lead to depression, mood swings, chronic fatigue, weakness, kidney and liver damage, blood vessel damage, seizures, impaired facial recognition, abnormal sensations in the mouth and arms and legs, and cancer.

Diseases such as esophagitis, gastroenteritis and colitis have been attributed to high levels of arsenic being found in the system.  Exposure to too much arsenic can also lead to hearing loss, hypertension, cardiovascular disease, blurred vision and increased sensitivity to light. Pneumonia, laryngitis, respiratory tract cancers and bronchitis can occur from being exposed to too much arsenic. High levels of arsenic in pregnant women can lead to reproductive dysfunction, premature births, spontaneous abortions, birth defects and mental retardation in the fetus.

(To Be Continued)