Heavy Metal Poisoning
(Public Health)
This page will answer your questions about heavy metal poisoning.
What is heavy metal poisoning?
Heavy metal poisoning is the accumulation of toxic metals in the body at harmful levels, affecting vital tissues and organs such as the kidneys, liver, and nervous system. While certain metals are essential in small amounts, their buildup at high levels can cause significant harm. It can lead to chronic health issues, including neurological and gastrointestinal disorders, and, with ongoing exposure, even cancer. Children are more vulnerable to heavy metal poisoning than adults.
Which metals can cause heavy metal poisoning?
Common toxic metals include:
Mercury: Exists in three forms (elemental, inorganic, organic), with organic mercury being the most toxic. Elemental mercury is easily absorbed through the lungs and affects the nervous system and brain.
Lead: Impacts the nervous system, heart, and blood vessels. It enters the body via the respiratory and digestive systems.
Chromium: Exists in two forms—hexavalent chromium, which is toxic and linked to cancer, and trivalent chromium, which is essential in trace amounts.
Cadmium: Accumulates in the kidneys and bones. Poisoning can occur through inhaling smoke or consuming contaminated foods.
Arsenic: Found in contaminated food and water, causing cancer and damage to various body organs.
These metals pose a threat to human health due to their accumulation in the body from environmental pollution, workplace exposure, or contaminated food.
Symptoms of heavy metal poisoning:
Symptoms vary based on the type of metal and the level of exposure. General symptoms include:
Neurological symptoms: Headache, confusion, memory loss, seizures, and lack of coordination.
Gastrointestinal symptoms: Abdominal pain, vomiting, and diarrhea.
Respiratory symptoms: Shortness of breath, coughing, and chest pain.
Dermatological symptoms: Skin discoloration, sores, or swelling.
In severe cases, damage to the kidneys, liver, or even the brain can occur, potentially becoming life-threatening.
Causes of heavy metal poisoning:
Several factors can cause heavy metal poisoning, including:
Contaminated water: Water containing high levels of toxic metals like lead or mercury.
Contaminated food: Fish and seafood with high levels of heavy metals, as well as grains and Vegetables that may contain amounts of heavy metals, such as cadmium.
Occupational exposure: Working in industries dealing with metals, such as paint, batteries, plastic, and metal manufacturing.
Pesticides and chemicals: Some pesticides containing arsenic can lead to heavy metal poisoning.
Medications and supplements: Certain products may contain heavy metals in harmful quantities.
Improper industrial practices: Unsafe disposal of metals or workers’ exposure to metallic substances in the workplace without the use of personal protective equipment.
Air pollution: Inhalation of metal particles or fumes, particularly in industrial settings.
Risk factors for heavy metal poisoning:
These include:
Drinking water from old pipes, especially if they are made of lead.
Working in the metal industry,therefore, people working in the metal industry are at a higher risk of poisoning.
Taking excessive doses of medications or supplements containing heavy metals.
Living in polluted environments (air or water).
Consuming contaminated food, especially seafood high in heavy metals.
Using non-edible products containing metals, like paints with toxic components.
Age: Children are at greater risk due to their developing bodies and higher sensitivity.
Prevention of heavy metal poisoning:
Important preventive measures include:
Using personal protective equipment (PPE), such as gloves and masks, when working with heavy metals.
Reporting and cleaning up heavy metal spills through local environmental authorities.
Washing hands before meals reduces contamination from contact with polluted surfaces.
Checking product labels, especially for baby food, to ensure they’re free of toxic metals.
Living in clean environments with safe air and water,or seeking ways to improve conditions if not.
Following safe waste disposal practices to reduce environmental contamination with heavy metals.
- What to do if exposed to heavy metal poisoning:
Immediate actions:
- In cases of heavy metal poisoning, it is essential to act quickly to minimize harm to the body. The following are the steps that should be taken:
Stop exposure and remove the source:
- If symptoms like nausea, dizziness, or other signs appear, move away from the source (e.g., contaminated paint or chemical)Evacuate the area or stop handling it immediately. If inhaled, move to a well-ventilated, pollution-free area.
Seek medical attention:
Go to the hospital or a healthcare center promptly. Heavy metal poisoning may not show immediate effects but can progress dangerously without treatment. Medical staff will assess exposure level and metal type.
Detoxification procedures at the hospital:
In the hospital, immediate measures are taken to eliminate toxins from the body according to the route of exposure:
- Gastric lavage (stomach pumping): If ingested, this can remove any unabsorbed metal.
Activated charcoal: To absorb remaining toxins in the gastrointestinal tract and limit their spread within the body..
Skin decontamination: If exposure was through the skin, washing the affected area thoroughly is necessary.
Medical treatment:
After reducing the level of toxins in the body, medications called chelating agents are used to bind the metals and help eliminate them through the kidneys or liver. The treatment type depends on the specific metal and severity.
Supportive care may include:
Intravenous fluids to maintain hydration and assist detoxification.
Oxygen therapy, especially indicated if the respiratory system is affected.
Dialysis: In severe cases where metal levels are dangerously high and affecting kidney function, dialysis may be required to remove toxins.
Frequently Asked Questions:
What foods and drinks should be avoided in cases of heavy metal poisoning?
