Health problems caused by or associated with heavy metals
Aluminium: Exposure is associated with the development of bone disorders including fractures, osteopenia and osteomalacia
Arsenic: (Exposure of high levels):
Can cause death
Can cause kidney damage
Can cause liver damage
Cadmium : (Biopersistent, ie., once absorbed remains for many years):
Renal dysfunction
High exposure can lead to obstructive lung diseases and linked to lung cancer
Bone defects in humans and animals
Chromium:
Even low exposure can irritage the skin and cause ulceration
Long term exposure can cause kidney and liver damage
Can also cause damage to circulatory and nerve tissues
Copper: (In high doses):
Can cause anemia
Can cause liver damage
Can cause kidney damage
Can cause stomach and intestinal irritation
Those with Wilson's disease are at greater risk for health effects from overexposure to copper
Iron:
High levels of iron found in blood suggest a high risk of adult onset diabetes melitus or type-1 diabetes, especially in women.
Lead:
Causes a wide range of biological defects in human depending on duration and level of exposure. The developing feotus and infants are far more sensitive than adults
Can cause problems in the synthesis of haemoglobins
Can cause damage to the kidneys
Can cause damage to the gastrointestinal tract
Can cause damage to joints
Can cause damage to the reproductive system
Can cause damage to the nervous system
Studies have suggested that exposure to lead can cause up to a loss of 2 IQ points
Mercury:
Poisoning is associated with tremours
Poisoning is associated with gingivitis
Poisoning is associated minor pyschological changes together with spontaneous abortion and congenital malformation. Monomethylmercury causes damage to the brain and the central nervous system while fetal and post-natal exposure have given rise to abortion, congenital malformation and development changes in young children
Manganese:
Known to block calcium channels
Chronic exposure results in CNS dopamine depletion. This duplicates almost all of the symptomology of Parkinson's disease.
