Heavy Metals/Minerals
LIST OF HEAVY METALS/MINERALS AND THEIR SYMPTOMS
Aluminum (AL)
This is the third most common metal on earth and one of the most toxic. It has incredibly low density and is able to resist corrosion. It is soft, durable and lightweight and is silver/dull grey. It is commonly found in most water (except filtered and bottled). Very low levels can be found in plants, cereals, fruits and vegetables due to high concentrations in the ground, however there is none found in herbs, spices and teas. It is quite common in dough and processed cheese. It is common in everyday items like transport, household products, packaging and lighting. It is used in some antiperspirants and many over the counter medications contain quite high levels of aluminum. Symptoms of aluminum toxicity can include memory loss, learning difficulty, loss of coordination, disorientation, mental confusion, disturbed sleep, colic, heartburn, flatulence, and headaches. Studies are still continuing about its possible link with Alzheimer’s.
Antimony (Sb)
This is a shiny grey metal and is extremely flame retardant. It is often used in cosmetics, army supplies and in cables. Symptoms of antimony poisoning can cause headaches, nausea, dizziness and depression. Large doses cause vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal discomfort and tingling of the extremities.
Arsenic (As)
Arsenic appears in many minerals and is a metallic grey color in its raw form. It is used in pesticides, wood products, and is notoriously poisonous. Symptoms of arsenic poisoning can cause headaches, confusion, severe diarrhea and drowsiness. In intense exposure, it can cause death.
Beryllium (Be)
This is a divalent element which naturally occurs when used in combination with other elements in minerals. It has a high melting point and a higher elasticity than steel. It is commonly used in aircraft, missiles, spacecraft, and satellites. Symptoms include conjunctivitis, skin irritation, skin ulcers, nausea, cough, shortness of breath, sore throat, eye irritation, and in severe cases pneumonia.
Bismuth (Bi)
This is a brittle metal with a silvery white color when fresh, but gains a pink tinge due to oxidation. It is also slightly radioactive. Bismuth has a low toxicity and is found in cosmetics and pharmaceuticals including Pepto-Bismol. Symptoms of bismuth toxicity include confusion, decreased appetite, weight loss, weakness, joint pain, skin rash, tremors, diarrhea and staining on gums.
Cadmium (Cd)
A very similar metal to zinc and mercury. It is slightly blue/white in color. It is commonly found in batteries (mainly rechargeable), electroplating, televisions and paints. There are also large quantities found in food products such as spinach, potatoes, shellfish and offal. It is one of the most toxic ingredients in cigarettes. Symptoms of cadmium toxicity include fatigue, headaches, vomiting, anemia and in more severe cases kidney dysfunction and emphysema.
Chromium (Cr)
Chromium is a steely-grey hard metal with a high melting point. It is mostly used to harden steel and other services to resist corrosion. All chromium compounds may cause dermatitis and some may cause occupational asthma. They can also cause chrome ulcers which form little holes in the skin.
Cobalt (Co)
It is produced by reductive smelting and is silver/grey on color. It used to be used as a blue pigment for jewelry but had to be stopped due to the amount of reactions it caused. It can commonly be found in lithium batteries and electroplating. Symptoms of cobalt toxicity include gastro issues, tinnitus and respiratory diseases.
Copper (Cu)
It is soft and malleable and red/orange in colour. It is a great conductor of heat and electricity. It is often found in many household fittings including electrical wiring, roofing and plumbing. Symptoms of copper toxicity include headaches, insomnia, fatigue, depression, learning difficulties and skin rashes.
Dental Amalgam
This is an alloy consisting of mercury (50%), silver (22-32%), tin (14%), copper (8%), and other trace metals. It is used due to its low cost, ease of application, strength and durability. Symptoms include various chronic breathing disorders, compromised cognitive functions, extreme changes in mood, hallucinations and depression.
Gold (Au)
This is a very dense metal, shiny and a bright yellow color. It is often found in jewelry but it is also edible and is used in some foods and drinks. Symptoms of gold toxicity include headaches, vomiting, dermatitis, jaundice and pneumonitis.
Lead (Pb)
It is a soft malleable metal and is dull grey in color. It is found in paint, ink, batteries, soldering, car fuel and is common in many plants. It is used in many weapons and also in the manufacturing of cars. Symptoms of lead toxicity includes headache, abdominal pain, kidney failure, memory loss and many aspects of weakness and pain especially of the extremities.
Manganese (Mn)
It is often combined with iron and is most commonly used in stainless steels. It can be used to combat rust and corrosion in other metals. It is commonly found in coins as well as in most stainless steel and rust preventative products. Manganese is important to the body and only high exposure is normally an issue for people. Symptoms of Manganese toxicity includes anemia, tremors and stiff muscles.
Mercury (Hg)
It is the only metal that is liquid at room temperature, it is silver in color. Mercury can be found in many electrical outlets around the home. It is also found in some household medicines and can still be used in some dental fillings. It is present in neon signs and even used in mascara. It can be found in many seafood’s and some fresh water fish. Symptoms of mercury toxicity are far and wide as it can affect any area of the body. It can affect the nervous system, the gastro area, the head and neck and even the cardio-vascular system.
Molybdenum (Mo)
It gets its name from the Greek word for lead, as the two were often confused. It is extremely hard and metallic in color. The main use of molybdenum is in the commercial and industrial industries where it plays a large role in manufacturing. Symptoms can include itchy eyes and coughing, but in chronic exposure it may cause anorexia, diarrhea and extreme joint pain.
Nickel (Ni)
It is hard and ductile and reactive with oxygen. It is silver/white in color often with a golden tinge. It is used in many coins and also is often used to make magnets. It is present in some foods including bananas. It is another of the main toxic ingredients in tobacco products. Symptoms of nickel toxicity include skin rash, nausea, headaches, vomiting, chest pain, weakness and coughing.
Palladium (Pt)
It is a rare metal and is silver/white in color. It has many uses including jewelry, dentistry, watches, blood sugar strips and in many aircraft and medical products. Symptoms of Palladium toxicity include extreme tiredness confusion, sore throat, migraines, blisters on the body, pain in the teeth and jaw and impairment of the immune system.
Silver (Ag)
It has the highest electrical conductivity of any element and is soft with a silver/white color. It is commonly used in jewelry and can be mixed with mercury and used in fillings. It is used in many photography products and is still used in many household medicinal products. Symptoms of silver toxicity includes headaches, severe joint pain, fatigue, skin irritation, heart palpitations and increased levels of mucus.
Strontium (Sr)
This yellowish metallic element is highly reactive. It is named after Strontian, a village in Scotland where it was first discovered. It is used in cathode ray tubes. Symptoms begin with a skin rash and progresses to violent flu-like symptoms and an increased white blood cell count. The organs of the liver, kidneys and lungs can be severely damaged if exposure continues.
Tin (Sn)
It is often classed as a poor metal and is used to coat other metals to prevent corrosion it is silver in color. It is mainly used in soldering with 52% of all tin being used in this way. It is also used as a coating and in food preservation. It is found in many industrial produced fruit juices. Symptoms of tin toxicity includes cramps, vomiting, diarrhea, headaches, chills and many gastro issues.
Titanium (Ti)
It is a very strong element and is known for its corrosion resistance including against sea water. It is found in most living things including rocks, water and soil. It is used in aircraft, spacecraft and missiles. It is also used in the manufacture of cars, bikes, sports equipment and even spectacles. It is sometimes used in jewelry and medical procedures. It is now being used in dentistry as a teeth replacement product. Symptoms of titanium toxicity includes eye irritation and eye issues, skin pain, sore throats, vomiting, mouth and nose irritations and shortness of breath.
Vanadium (V)
This is a very hard silvery metal. It is very rarely found on its own as it is chemically combined in nature. It is corrosion resistant. It is used in rust-resistant springs and high speed tools. Symptoms can include fever, chills, headache, cough, anorexia, or ear infection.
Zinc (Zn)
Zinc (sometimes known as spelter) is used in paints, rubber production, in photocopying and as a wood preservative. It is also used in televisions and x-rays. Symptoms include burning sensation, chills, convulsions, rash, shortness of breath and vomiting.