The Impact of Heavy Metal Toxicity on Our Health & Ecosystem

August 3, 2009
By Dr. Sharon Gurm BSc, ND

Globally, everyone is potentially vulnerable to the toxic effects of heavy metals. It is undisputed that many toxic heavy metals are ubiquitous in our environment. Heavy metals such as lead, arsenic, mercury, cadmium and aluminum are among the most dangerous toxins in our ecosystem. Exposure has been implicated in a variety of conditions including multiple sclerosis, Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease. Ever evolving research in the field of environmental medicine reveals the detrimental effects of heavy metals on the functioning of the heart, immune system and nervous system. Among those individuals most susceptible to the toxic effects of heavy metals are young children and growing fetuses. Their developing organ systems are extremely vulnerable to negative effects of heavy metals and women of childbearing age, pregnant and nursing mothers must take precaution in minimizing exposure.

INDUSTRY, POLLUTION AND CONTAMINATED FISH
An estimated 2,000 tons of mercury is released into the atmosphere annually. A product of 20th century industrialization, mercury enters the atmosphere and our food chain by way of rainfall and contaminated soils and water sources. Fish is one of the largest sources of heavy metal and chemical toxicity, known to contain lead, mercury, PCB’s, dioxins and phthalates. Some fish are more contaminated than others. Larger fish that feed on smaller ones generally contain higher amounts of toxic chemicals (i.e. tuna, swordfish, halibut, shark, freshwater bass, catfish, trout, king mackerel, red snapper, tilefish). The FDA warns pregnant women and those of childbearing age to avoid these heavily toxic fish and in general, to minimize fish consumption in order to safeguard against fetal neurological defects and developmental disorders in children. Clinical data reveals however, that many women are largely unaware of the FDA warnings and continue to consume fish that are heavily contaminated in quantities and frequencies far exceeding the recommended guidelines.

VACCINATIONS, MERCURY AND AUTISM
Until recently, several vaccinations contained mercury and aluminum.  The direct causative implication of vaccinations and autism has long been and continues to be a largely debated issue. Controversy is largely due to counterparts who believe if mercury in vaccinations was cause for concern in the development of autism and other neurological conditions in children, then every infant who is vaccinated should suffer the same effects. The biology of the human body is not so simple and therefore, neither can be the determination of a direct causal link. Many factors simultaneously contribute to the development of autism, including the child’s genetic predisposition, heavy metal exposure in utero and while breastfed, defects in metabolic pathways of detoxification and existing mineral deficiencies. A direct causative link between vaccinations and autism may not be plausible, but knowing that mercury is a potent neurotoxin (i.e. toxic to the nervous system) and that such an agent is contained in vaccinations given to infants as early as 3 months old, begs one to appreciate that it is likely an important factor to consider in the development of childhood neurological conditions.

WHAT’S LURKING IN YOUR MOUTH?
Besides fish and vaccinations, another common source of mercury exposure is exactly where they augt not to be - in the mouth. Mercury has been a mainstay of dental amalgam materials for centuries and in many places of the world it continues to be widely used by dentists. Countries such as Sweden and Germany have taken measures to ban its use in dentistry, but in North America, it is still a popular choice among dentists. Often incorrectly referred to as “silver fillings”, these fillings are predominately mercury and contain traces of silver and nickel. Anyone who has had or presently has mercury fillings, has accumulated levels of mercury in their body. Some individuals eliminate heavy metals more effectively and efficiently than others and therefore, it is difficult to quantify how much mercury accumulation results from any particular amount of past or present mercury fillings. It is a fact that mercury fillings have a shelf life of approximately 22 years, beyond which we know there is leakage of much larger quantities of mercury, which are absorbed by various tissues and can spread throughout the body to different organs - the most vulnerable of which is the brain. Anyone who has “older” fillings is more likely to have mercury toxicity. 

Common symptoms of mercury toxicity include metallic taste in the mouth, hair loss, hearing loss, tremors, memory loss and early onset dementia. However, scientists and medical experts in the field of environmental toxicology still do not know the entire scope of detrimental effects on human physiology caused by heavy metal and chemical toxicity. That is to say, there are potentially numerous health conditions that can be due in part or whole to heavy metal and chemical toxicity. Some chemicals have been well studied and we are aware of the risks associated with them, but for many others we do not yet know what the short and long-term effects are or at what levels they become a hazard.

BEWARE OF DAILY EXPOSURES IN HOUSEHOLD ITEMS
Household items are another common source of heavy metal exposure. Old homes are known to contain lead pipes (contaminating the water sources) and lead paints. Paints and wood stains are also known to contain mercury, cadmium and antimony. Insecticides and fungicides contain arsenic, antimony and cadmium. Cookware and foil made of aluminum and/or copper contaminate food during cooking and preparation. Refurbished furniture may be more likely to contain lead from old paint. Although most are aware of the chemical toxic effects of standard household disinfectants, they may also contain mercury and copper. There are many eco-friendly companies nowadays that manufacture everything from laundry detergent to household cleaners to eco-friendly baby diapers. One such company is Seventh Generation - for more information visit http://www.seventhgeneration.com.

HOW CLEAN IS YOUR WATER?
Our local drinking water is among the cleanest source in the world, but it is not without its share of contaminants. Chlorine, used as a disinfectant, is a known poison and found in very high concentrations in our drinking water.  Arsenic and cadmium are common heavy metals found in tap water and those living in old homes with lead pipes will find lead in their water source. For more information on what’s in our local water and appropriate filtration systems, visit http://www.yourwatermatters.com.

NEW RESEARCH ON HIGH-FRUCTOSE CORN SYRUP AND MERCURY
A recent study published in the peer-reviewed scientific journal Environmental Health, gives more reason to avoid processed foods as it confirmed that commercial high fructose corn syrup (HFCS) appears to be routinely contaminated with mercury. HFCS has been and continues to be made using “mercury-grade” caustic soda from chlorine (chlor-alkali) plants. In the report, 55 brand-name foods and beverages containing HFCS as the first or second ingredient were sent to a commercial laboratory to be tested for total mercury. The results were astounding but not shocking to those who have long been aware of the detrimental effects of mercury-cell plants and coal-fired power plants (the greatest sources of mercury leaching into our environment), as the researchers could detect mercury in about 1 of every 3 common foods or beverages where HFCS was the first or second label ingredient. Among the brands most contaminated: Quaker Oatmeal to Go, Jack Daniel’s BBQ Sauce, Hershey’s Chocolate Syrup, Kraft Original BBQ Sauce and Kellog’s Nutri-Grain Stawberry Cereal Bars. Many of these foods are heavily marketed to children, who in turn are among those most vulnerable to mercury’s toxic effects. For more information on the report and a list of foods tested along with their findings, visit http://www.healthobservatory.org.

DO YOU KNOW WHAT YOUR PUTTING ON YOUR SKIN?
Cosmetics and beauty products are another major source for concern. Lead and aluminum are the most common heavy metals found in cosmetics, but other harmful chemicals such as petrolatum (petroleum), silicone and parabens, to name a few, are part of an ever growing list of chemicals found in beauty products. Our skin is the largest organ in the body and it acts like a sponge, with the capability of absorbing everything on exposure and allowing potentially harmful chemicals and toxins to enter our bloodstream and infiltrate our organ systems. For a list of companies that avoid the use of toxic chemicals in manufacturing and abide by safe standards for cosmetics and beauty products, visit http://www.safecosmetics.org.

WHAT CAN BE DONE?
Clearly, we are exposed to harmful chemicals everyday in a variety of ways. It is in the food we eat, the air we breathe, the water we drink, the products we use and unfortunately for many, it is present in our mouths for exposure on daily basis and overtime. Many of these exposures are avoidable with proper education and awareness. For more information, on toxic chemicals in our environment, visit http://www.davidsuzuki.org/health.

When addressing the exposure from mercury fillings, caution is advised. Removal or replacement of mercury fillings should be performed by a dentist practicing safe procedures and protocols in mercury amalgam removal. Refer to the International Association of Oral Medicine and Toxicology for complete guidelines, available at http://www.holisticmed.com/dental/amalgam/iaomt.txt. I have had many individuals come to me seeking medical assistance due to ill effects or worsening of a previous condition as a result of mercury exposure during unsafe amalgam removal. It is incumbent upon the individual to take the steps necessary to educate and protect themselves from unwanted side effects of mercury amalgam removal. It is strongly advised that one be under the guidance and supervision of a physician (MD or ND) who is trained and certified in the practice of chelation therapy (heavy metal detox) before commencing any procedure to remove or replace mercury fillings. Research findings indicate that chelation therapy is an effective method of reducing total body burden of toxic metals, resulting in improved physiological function, stronger immune functioning, healthier aging and reduced occurrence of malignant diseases such as cancers and cardiovascular disease.

Remember that there really are no “safe” levels of mercury or lead in the body. Besides heavy metals, there are several other pervasive toxic chemicals in our environment that are hazardous to our health and increase the risk of chronic disease. Take measures to minimize or avoid common exposures of toxic chemicals for you and your family. Implement daily practices to protect our environment so as not to contribute to the problem, but instead become part of the solution in helping to maintain the integrity of our ecosystem. Encourage government bodies to implement more stringent policies to minimize entry of toxic chemicals and heavy metals into our food, water and air. It is no longer our choice, it is our obligation. We owe it to ourselves and to future generations of humans and wildlife to address the global health and environmental issues that are crucial to the survival of our planet. 

Dr. Gurm is a Naturopathic Physician and Founder of Port Moody Naturopathic Health & Wellness. She has special interests in environmental medicine, endocrinology (hormone balance), chronic degenerative disorders and anti-aging medicine. Dr. Gurm is board certified in chelation therapy and heavy metal detoxification.